ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 2nd Aug, 2026) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, on Sunday said the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections was completed in a peaceful manner, with voting concluded at nearly 95 to 96 percent of polling stations and vote counting underway.
Addressing a joint news conference with Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam, Rana Sanaullah said polling remained orderly throughout the day across AJK and on refugee seats in Pakistan. He noted that voting hours were extended by one hour in some areas due to weather conditions and difficult access routes. Voters who had already reached polling stations before the closing time were also allowed to cast their ballots.
He said initial reports showed that the election process had largely concluded without major disturbances. Polling and counting procedures were proceeding under the supervision of the Election Commission.
Rana Sanaullah criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for raising allegations of rigging during polling hours. He said PPP leaders began making such claims from the morning despite what he described as a calm voting process. He argued that similar allegations were not raised during the Mirpur election until vote counting started and results became clearer.
Referring to previous complaints, he said the number of Constituencies where rigging was alleged changed over time. He maintained that some concerns were linked to unusually high voter turnout in certain villages, but said local conditions, including small and closely connected communities, could naturally result in turnout rates exceeding 90 percent. He added that any objections could be addressed through legal and electoral channels, including petitions before the Election Commission.
Discussing incidents reported on election day, Rana Sanaullah said only three notable events occurred. The first involved a verbal dispute at a polling station where AJK President Latif Akbar had gone to vote. He rejected claims that the incident amounted to an attack, saying no physical violence or firing took place.
The second incident concerned the death of an elderly man, Mushtaq Shah. Sanaullah said reports suggested a disagreement among local residents, after which the man later suffered a medical emergency. He said authorities should wait for official findings before drawing conclusions about the cause of death.
The third incident occurred in the LA-31 constituency, where he alleged that Sindh MNA Salahuddin Junejo entered polling stations accompanied by security personnel. Sanaullah claimed resistance from local people led to an exchange of fire. He said authorities should investigate the matter and determine the facts.
The adviser said polling remained peaceful across most constituencies and estimated voter turnout at around 50 percent. He also noted that polling in one constituency had been postponed until August 4 after delays in the arrival of election staff at several polling stations.
Speaking at the same news conference, Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam said the election process was monitored at every stage and that the Election Commission ensured its smooth conduct. He said any party with concerns should use the available legal forums instead of making allegations that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Both leaders expressed confidence in the election arrangements and urged political parties to respect institutional mechanisms for resolving disputes.
