Unofficial results from the delayed Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections showed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leading one constituency each as vote consolidation continued after midnight.
According to preliminary figures, PML-N candidate Noreen Arif was narrowly ahead in LA-27 Kotla by fewer than 200 votes, while PPP’s Bazil Ali Naqvi maintained a slim lead in LA-28 Lachhrat. Election officials continued compiling results, meaning the standings remain unofficial until the Election Commission issues final notifications.
Polling was completed at all 197 polling stations in LA-27 Kotla and at 52 delayed polling stations in LA-28 Lachhrat. Re-polling also took place at two polling locations following complaints raised during the electoral process.
The voting process remained largely peaceful, although isolated scuffles and incidents of sporadic firing were reported in some areas. Security personnel remained deployed throughout the day to maintain order and ensure polling continued without major disruption.
As videos and claims related to the elections circulated on social media, the Election Commission urged the public to rely only on verified information. Officials described several viral videos as vague or unverified, cautioning against drawing conclusions before the completion of the official counting process.
The outcome of these delayed constituencies is expected to strengthen the position of whichever party secures victory before the final phase of the AJK elections, scheduled to take place in the Poonch Division on August 10. At present, PML-N holds 23 confirmed seats, while PPP has nine confirmed seats. The unofficial leads in Kotla and Lachhrat have not yet been added to either party’s official tally.
Political observers say the close margins could lead to recount requests or further allegations from rival parties, making the Election Commission’s final consolidation process particularly important. Authorities have meanwhile dismissed speculation that the August 10 polling phase could be postponed, confirming that preparations for the final stage of the elections are continuing as planned.
Verification note: The leads in LA-27 Kotla and LA-28 Lachhrat remain unofficial pending the Election Commission’s final consolidation and notification of results.
