PML‑N clinched six of the eight reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly on Monday.
The special election, held in Muzaffarabad, filled the seats earmarked for women and technocrats that were left vacant after the general polls. Six of those seats were swept by the Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz, while the Pakistan Peoples Party secured the remaining two, both designated for women representatives.
The outcome was announced after party lists were submitted and validated by the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. PML‑N’s clean sweep of the six seats underscores its strong foothold in the region’s political landscape, whereas PPP’s win of the two women’s seats reaffirms its continued relevance among the electorate, especially among female voters.
Reserved seats in the AJK Assembly are intended to ensure gender balance and professional expertise, and they can tip the balance of power in a legislature that often hinges on narrow margins. By adding six members, PML‑N bolsters its legislative bloc, potentially influencing key votes on development projects, budget allocations, and the formulation of policies that affect everyday life in the valley.
Analysts note that the results could shape the next phase of governance in Azad Kashmir, as parties negotiate alliances and set priorities ahead of the upcoming session. The PML‑N surge may translate into greater leverage in coalition talks, while PPP’s presence, albeit limited to two seats, keeps it in the strategic conversation on issues ranging from health and education to women’s empowerment in the region.