PML-N’s strong showing in Mirpur signals expectations of sweeping victory in upcoming AJK election phases
PESHAWAR (APP): The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the leading political force in the opening phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with its commanding performance in Mirpur division strengthening the party’s prospects of securing a decisive mandate in the remaining phases of the electoral process.
Political analysts believed that the election results from Mirpur have significantly reshaped the electoral landscape in Azad Kashmir, placing the PML-N in a commanding position while increasing pressure on rival parties to regain momentum before polling in the remaining two constituencies.
According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N won nine out of the 13 constituencies contested in Mirpur division, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured the remaining four seats.
The outcome has been interpreted by political observers as a clear endorsement of the party’s development agenda, governance record, and its strong commitment to the Kashmir cause.
The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir had announced a three-phase polling schedule, with elections in 13 constituencies of Mirpur division held on July 27, followed by nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad division to be held on August 2, while polling in 12 refugee constituencies and 11 constituencies of Poonch Division is scheduled for August 10.
Former Chairman of the Department of Political Science at the University of Peshawar, Professor Dr. A.H. Hilali, said the Mirpur results have given the PML-N a significant political advantage heading into the remaining phases.
“The outcome of Mirpur has strengthened the party’s position ahead of the remaining phases of the elections,” Dr. Hilali told APP.
“It has also altered the political landscape in Azad Kashmir, with the PML-N’s overwhelming success posing a serious challenge for rival parties in the upcoming contests.”
He observed that the party’s performance reflected growing public confidence in its leadership and campaign strategy, adding that sustained momentum could further consolidate its electoral gains if successfully maintained during the remaining phases.
Dr. Hilali argued that the scale of the PML-N’s victory has intensified pressure on opposition parties, particularly the PPP, which now faces the difficult task of rebuilding voter confidence before polling in Muzaffarabad, Poonch and the refugee constituencies.
Analysts said the voting trend indicated that many Kashmiri voters prioritized governance, development and public service delivery over political slogans.
They observed that socioeconomic issues such as infrastructure development, employment generation, improved healthcare facilities, quality education and better municipal services played a decisive role in influencing voter preferences.
Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Peshawar, Dr. Zahid Anwar, said the electorate appeared to have favored candidates perceived as capable of delivering practical results.
“The electorate largely rejected slogan-based politics and instead supported candidates whom they believed could effectively address local issues and improve public services,” he said.
He added that the AjK election demonstrated a growing inclination among voters toward performance-based politics, with development and governance emerging as central themes in the campaign.
Political observers further said that the Mirpur results suggested continued public support for the PML-N’s stance on the Kashmir issue alongside confidence in its governance agenda.
They said the party’s emphasis on economic development and public welfare appeared to resonate with voters across Mirpur division.
He said that huge turned out of voters in Mirpur signified people of Kashmir unshakable trust in democratic process.
Encouraged by the outcome, the PML-N leadership expressed optimism about the remaining phases of the elections, maintaining that the momentum generated in Mirpur would carry forward into Muzaffarabad, Poonch and the refugee constituencies.
Former minister and PML-N leader Wajid Ali Khan rejected allegations of electoral irregularities raised by opposition parties especially by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, describing them as an attempt to divert attention from their electoral setbacks.
“Opposition parties are leveling baseless allegations of rigging in a bid to conceal the failure of their own candidates,” he said. “The PPP leadership should accept the people’s verdict instead of questioning the election results.”
He maintained that the people of Kashmir had voted for the PML-N because they believed the party possessed the experience and capacity to resolve their problems and deliver on development commitments.
Political analysts cautioned, however, that while the Mirpur results have given the PML-N a clear psychological and political advantage, the overall outcome of the AJK elections will depend on several factors, including voter turnout, constituency-specific dynamics, candidate selection and campaign strategies in the remaining two phases.
With polling set to continue over the next two weeks, all major political parties are expected to intensify their campaigns as they seek to secure support across the remaining constituencies and shape the composition of the next Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
