PML-N Secures Majority in Pakistan-administered Kashmir Elections

Voters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir cast ballots on August 10, 2026, for the final phase of legislative assembly elections. The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) has already secured 24 of the 34 seats decided in previous phases, positioning the party to form the regional government for the first time in a decade.

The voting process occurred under tightened security, internet blackouts, and road closures following weeks of violent protests. While voting proceeded in the Poonch district, the Regional Election Commission postponed polls in seven of the 11 remaining constituencies to an undetermined date due to law-and-order reports. Clashes between security forces and supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot reportedly left more than 30 people dead.

The JAAC called for an election boycott, demanding the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for displaced persons from Indian-controlled Kashmir. The group argues these seats grant disproportionate influence to those living outside the region, while the government maintains the issue must be resolved by the regional assembly. Additionally, the Pakistan Peoples Party and candidates affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf raised allegations of rigging and electoral fraud, which PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah rejected.