The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) claimed a decisive victory in the first phase [1] of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections.
The dispute highlights deep political fractures between the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), potentially destabilizing the governance of the region.
Maryam Nawaz (PML-N) said the results were an outstanding victory for her party [3]. The provisional results, released on Feb. 12, 2026 [2], showed the PML-N holding a commanding lead in the Mirpur Division [1]. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (PML-N) also led the party during this electoral cycle [1].
However, the PPP rejected the outcome. Senior minister Sharjeel Inam Memon (PPP) said the federal government, the AJK Election Commission, and PML-N colluded to manipulate the elections [4]. The party alleges that irregularities and voter manipulation were used to skew the results in favor of the ruling party [5].
An unnamed PPP spokesperson said the party's mandate was stolen in several constituencies [6]. The PPP has vowed to challenge these results through legal forums to address the alleged rigging [5].
In response to these accusations, Maryam Nawaz called on the PPP to accept the defeat and rejected the claims of rigging [7]. While the PPP maintains the process was compromised, other reports indicate that no evidence of rigging has been presented to support the claims [8].
The first phase of the election is one of five total phases [1]. The tension between the two parties suggests a contentious path forward as the remaining phases proceed and the final assembly is formed.
“"We have achieved an outstanding victory in AJK elections."”
The clash between PML-N and PPP over the AJK elections reflects a broader struggle for legitimacy and control within Pakistan's coalition politics. By challenging the results in court, the PPP is attempting to signal its strength and protect its regional influence against a dominant federal government. If legal challenges persist, the resulting administration in Azad Jammu and Kashmir may face a crisis of legitimacy, complicating the region's internal stability and its diplomatic standing.
