Vote counting continues across the Mirpur Division as the Azad Kashmir Election Results begin to shape the political picture of the 2026 polls. Early unofficial figures suggest that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured an overall advantage in several constituencies. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has also claimed important victories, keeping the contest highly competitive.
The first phase of voting covered 13 constituencies in the Mirpur Division. Election officials completed polling after extending voting hours by one hour because of the strong turnout. As a result, counting teams immediately started tabulating ballots after polling stations closed.
According to the latest unofficial figures, PML-N has emerged ahead in more constituencies than its rivals. Nevertheless, PPP continues to perform strongly in key seats across Mirpur and Kotli. Therefore, political observers expect close competition until the Election Commission releases official results.
In LA-1 Dadyal, PML-N candidate Azhar Sadiq secured victory with more than 15,000 votes. Meanwhile, PPP candidate Afsar Shahid finished in second place. The result strengthened PML-N’s position during the opening phase of the count.
PPP responded with an important win in LA-2 Mirpur-II Chakswari. Chaudhry Qasim Majeed defeated his PML-N rival by a comfortable margin. Consequently, PPP maintained its influence in one of the division’s major constituencies.
Another PPP success came in LA-3 Mirpur-III. Chaudhry Yasir Sultan secured the seat after leading throughout the unofficial count. At the same time, PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed remained in second position.
PML-N quickly regained momentum in LA-4 Khari Sharif. Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed won the constituency with a convincing lead over the PPP candidate. Thus, the party balanced earlier setbacks with another significant victory.
Partial counting also favored PML-N in LA-5 Bhimber-I. Waqar continued to lead after votes from most polling stations entered the unofficial tally. Even so, PPP candidate Chaudhry Pervez Ashraf remained within striking distance as counting progressed.
LA-6 Bhimber-II Samahni also placed PML-N in front. Muhammad Razaq established a solid lead over the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate. Therefore, PML-N strengthened its overall performance in Bhimber.
One of the biggest surprises appeared in LA-7 Bhimber-III City. Senior PML-N leader Chaudhry Tariq Farooq defeated former Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, who contested as an independent candidate. The result marked one of the most talked-about outcomes of election day.
PPP once again demonstrated its strength in Kotli through LA-8 Raj Mahal. Malik Zafar Iqbal remained ahead during unofficial counting, while PML-N candidate Malik Nawaz followed behind. Consequently, PPP kept the race competitive across the division.
PML-N gained another advantage in LA-9 Kotli-II Nikyal. Umair Naeem maintained the lead as vote counting continued. Meanwhile, PPP candidate Javed Budhanvi stayed in second place.
PPP secured another victory in LA-10 Kotli-III. Chaudhry Yasin finished ahead of Raja Fateh Mahmood from PML-N after counting concluded in the constituency. This result added another important seat to the party’s growing tally.
Unofficial counting also favored PML-N in LA-11 Kotli-IV Sehnsa. Raja Asif established a comfortable lead over his PPP opponent. Likewise, Ayaz Nisar led the race in LA-13 Kotli-VI against the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate.
LA-12 Kotli-V produced one of the closest contests of the election. PPP candidate Chaudhry Yasin narrowly stayed ahead of PML-N candidate Raja Riasat. Therefore, this constituency remained one of the most closely watched races throughout the counting process.
The Azad Kashmir Election Results also reflected strong voter participation across the Mirpur Division. Election authorities extended polling until 6:00 PM because thousands of voters continued arriving at polling stations during the final hour. That decision allowed more citizens to cast their ballots.
Officials established more than 2,400 polling stations across Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber for the first phase of voting. Security agencies also deployed additional personnel at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations. As a result, polling activities continued under strict security arrangements.
Election officials classified several constituencies as highly sensitive because of their political importance. They also increased security measures to ensure peaceful voting throughout the day. Consequently, authorities closely monitored every major polling location.
The Election Commission also acted quickly against two presiding officers in Kotli before polling began. Officials suspended and arrested both officers after they failed to report to their assigned polling stations. Authorities immediately appointed replacement officers to avoid delays in the voting process.
Although unofficial figures currently place PML-N ahead overall, the outcome still depends on the completion of vote counting and official confirmation by the Election Commission. Political parties continue monitoring every constituency closely as additional results arrive.
For now, the Azad Kashmir Election Results indicate a highly competitive contest between PML-N and PPP, with several seats decided by narrow margins. Voters, candidates, and political observers now await the official announcement to determine the final balance of power in the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
