Pakistan: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has taken the lead in two of the four constituencies contested during the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, according to unofficial and unconfirmed results. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is leading in one constituency, while an independent candidate secured a major upset by defeating former AJK prime minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan in his home constituency.
In LA-15 Bagh-2, PPP candidate Zia Qamar maintained a lead over PML-N’s Muhammad Mushtaq Ahmed Minhas after results from most polling stations. In LA-17 Haveli-Kahuta, incumbent AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore of the PPP remained ahead in a closely fought contest. Meanwhile, the PML-N led in LA-16 Eastern Bagh, positioning itself for its only projected victory in the third phase.
The biggest surprise came in LA-14 Western Bagh, where independent candidate Sardar Sajid Iqbal Abbasi decisively defeated Muslim Conference president and former prime minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, significantly reshaping the political landscape in the constituency.
Recount Demands and Rigging Allegations Overshadow Election Process
The election process has been marred by post-poll disputes, with PML-N candidate Mohsin Aziz staging a sit-in outside the Returning Officer’s office after his request for a recount in LA-17 Bagh-4 was rejected. The party has vowed to continue its protest until a recount is conducted.
Separately, the PPP has rejected the broader election process, alleging widespread rigging, polling irregularities, delayed voting, and restrictions on polling agents. Party leaders called on the Election Commission to conduct an impartial investigation into all complaints to ensure electoral transparency.
Despite the disputes, the PML-N continues to dominate the overall AJK electoral contest after earlier phases, having secured 24 seats, while the PPP has won 10 seats so far. With polling in several constituencies postponed, the remaining contests are expected to determine whether the PML-N can secure the numbers required for a two-thirds majority in the AJK Legislative Assembly.