PML-N Secures 23 Seats, Poised to Form Government in Azad Kashmir

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged in a strong position to form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after winning 23 seats in the ongoing Legislative Assembly elections.

According to results announced so far from the first two phases, the PML-N secured nine seats in Mirpur Division, four in Muzaffarabad Division, and 10 of the 12 seats reserved for refugees from Indian-illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir settled in Pakistan. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stands second with nine seats.

Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed that the party’s tally of 23 seats gives it a simple majority in the 45-seat assembly. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and the successful candidates, describing the outcome as an endorsement of the party’s agenda.

Polling for the remaining constituencies in Poonch Division is scheduled for August 10. The PPP has alleged irregularities in the process, claims rejected by the PML-N.