Islamabad: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Advocate says the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the leading party in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections and has secured a simple majority in the Assembly.

In a televised conversation, Attaullah Tarar said the party's victory in the elections is not being accepted by its political opponents.

The Information Minister said the people participated enthusiastically in the electoral process and voted for the PML-N on the basis of its record of development, public service, and performance.

He said political activity remained vibrant throughout the election campaign. He added that political rivalry and exchanges are a natural part of the democratic process. He, however, stressed the need for patience, tolerance, and mutual respect in politics.

Referring to remarks made by Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Attaullah Tarar rejected his baseless allegations.

He said the results of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections should be accepted. He said the PML-N leadership has always placed the development and progress of Kashmir among its top priorities.

The Information Minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set a positive democratic precedent by congratulating the Pakistan Peoples' Party on its victory in Gilgit-Baltistan.