AJK elections 2026: Polling for second phase to be held today

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will secure a clear majority and form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following the ongoing phased elections.

Speaking at an event in Lahore, Tarar said the people of Azad Kashmir had expressed confidence in the PML-N because of its commitment to development, stability and support for Pakistan.

He claimed that the party's candidates had performed strongly in several constituencies, particularly in the Mirpur Division, attributing the results to an extensive election campaign by PML-N workers.

"The people of Azad Kashmir are expressing confidence in the PML-N, and the final election results will also be in the party's favour," Tarar said, adding that the party enjoyed widespread public support across the region.

Criticism of opposition

The information minister criticised opposition parties, saying they lacked a practical agenda for development and economic progress.

He said the PML-N had consistently prioritised public service, infrastructure development and economic stability, which, according to him, had strengthened its electoral prospects.

Tarar also dismissed objections raised over refugee seats, alleging that certain elements were attempting to create unnecessary controversy. He expressed confidence that voters would reject such narratives.

With the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections just around the corner, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has accelerated its election campaign across refugee constituencies.

Party leaders are sharpening their strategy, expanding voter outreach and calling for transparent polling ahead of the August 2 elections.

An important consultative meeting of the IPP Punjab chapter was held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Punjab General Secretary Shoaib Siddiqui to review preparations for the second phase of the Azad Kashmir elections.

The meeting was attended by party leaders, including nominated candidates Saeed Ahmed Dar and Bilal Mukhtar Butt. In line with the directions of IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan, various election responsibilities were assigned to party leaders and workers.

Shoaib Siddiqui urged party workers to play an active role in ensuring the success of IPP candidates and directed them to further intensify the party's door-to-door election campaign.

Political activity has intensified ahead of the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections on August 2, with Pakistan People's Party (PPP) candidates raising concerns over the electoral process and pledging development-focused agendas if elected.

The political atmosphere in Lahore has heated up ahead of polling for the LA-41 Valley-2 constituency, where PPP candidate Ghulam Abbas Mir has leveled serious allegations against his rival, PML-N candidate Muhammad Amir Shah.

Addressing the media, Mir claimed that fake votes were being prepared in favor of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and demanded an immediate inquiry into the matter.

He urged election authorities to prevent voters appearing on what he described as "fake voter lists" from casting ballots, alleging that the electoral rolls for refugee voters were being altered.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Thursday that the reforms could be introduced through parliament and urged all the political parties affected by election rigging to join hands with him.

Addressing the electoral rally in Muzaffarabad, the former foreign minister said that the free and fair elections should be held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), adding that the federal government would face no difficulty if transparent polls were conducted.

He said that he was extending his hand towards serious politicians and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), asking the party to leave the politics of boycott and take part in the political process.

Bhutto-Zardari warned that if rigging took place, those responsible would face consequences, while justice would bring justice in return. He said that the PPP workers had faced General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf, adding that his party had dedicated workers.