Sharif’s PML-N Wins 9 of 13 Seats in First Phase of PoJK Polls Amid Rigging Allegations

Islamabad, Jul 28: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a decisive victory in the first phase of the Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) local government elections, winning nine of the 13 seats contested, according to official results. The polling, however, was overshadowed by allegations of vote rigging and electoral irregularities from opposition parties, which accused the authorities of manipulating the electoral process. Critics also reported incidents of clashes and procedural violations at several polling stations. Despite the allegations, election authorities maintained that the polling process was conducted peacefully and in accordance with electoral rules. The remaining phases of the elections are expected to be held in the coming weeks, with opposition parties demanding transparent investigations into the complaints before the next rounds of voting.