AJK Elections delivered a major political breakthrough for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) after the party secured a simple majority in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly polls. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, party workers, and victorious candidates, describing the results as a reflection of the public’s confidence in the party’s leadership and development agenda.

The prime minister praised the election campaign led by Nawaz Sharif, saying the victory was the outcome of sustained efforts by the party leadership and workers. He reaffirmed that the development, prosperity, and welfare of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir would remain among the government’s highest priorities. Shehbaz Sharif also said the active participation of political parties had strengthened the democratic process in the region.

More than 100 words into the election coverage, AJK Elections continued to dominate Pakistan’s political landscape as PML-N leaders declared that the party had crossed the required threshold to form the next government in the 45-member assembly.

Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah announced that PML-N won 13 of the 20 seats contested so far, giving the party a total of 23 seats and a simple majority. He said the party secured four of the seven seats contested in Muzaffarabad during the second phase, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won the remaining three seats. Sanaullah also highlighted that PML-N captured 10 of the 12 refugee seats.

Trump Says US-Iran Talks Begin as Tehran Rules Out Direct Negotiations

According to Sanaullah, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of the campaign led by Nawaz Sharif and supported by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He congratulated all successful candidates, including those from rival parties, and praised voters for participating in the democratic process.

The adviser said the incoming PML-N government in AJK would implement every promise made to the people during the election campaign and launch a new phase of development projects across the region.

Sanaullah rejected allegations of election rigging raised by the PPP, claiming the accusations lacked credible evidence. He argued that opposition leaders began questioning the electoral process only after realizing they were losing key constituencies. Referring to incidents in Mirpur and other areas, he alleged that attempts to create unrest and suppress voter turnout had failed to prevent the party’s victory.

He also called on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to discourage what he described as baseless claims that could undermine democratic institutions. Sanaullah maintained that the elections remained free, fair, transparent, and credible, adding that the government had ensured a peaceful voting process.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engr Amir Muqam described the outcome as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. He said voter participation exceeded expectations despite predictions of low turnout, with several constituencies recording participation rates between 50 and 60 percent.

Muqam praised the Election Commission, civil administration, police, and security institutions for conducting peaceful elections. He also credited Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for leading a coordinated campaign that united party workers and strengthened public support.

He said PML-N focused on presenting its governance record and future vision instead of relying on political rhetoric. According to Muqam, voters evaluated the party’s past performance and future commitments before giving it a decisive mandate.

With polling on the remaining seats still scheduled, PML-N leaders expressed confidence that the party would further strengthen its position in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and continue its development agenda for the region.