PML-N wins simple majority in Azad J&K assembly

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has secured a simple majority to form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir following the second phase of legislative assembly elections, according to unofficial results released on Monday, August 3. The party now holds 23 of the assembly's 45 seats after winning a majority of constituencies contested on Sunday, August 2.

Unofficial results announced by the region's chief election commissioner showed the PMLN winning 14 of the 18 seats decided in the second phase, which covered seven territorial constituencies in the Muzaffarabad division and 12 reserved seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. The Pakistan Peoples Party secured the remaining four seats. The PMLN also performed strongly in the refugee constituencies, winning 10 of the 12 seats, while the PPP won two. Polling in one constituency, LA27, and parts of another, LA28, was postponed until Tuesday, August 4, due to landslides and blocked roads that prevented election materials from arriving.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the PMLN leadership and successful candidates, stating that the results reflected public confidence in the party's policies. Adviser to...