Pakistan’s ruling party leads in Kashmir vote despite boycott call by banned group

Pakistan’s ruling party has secured a commanding lead in the elections for the legislative assembly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to election commission results announced on Wednesday, candidates backed by twice-elected former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N party won 24 of the 34 seats decided during the first two phases of the voting process.

The electoral success occurred despite weeks of protests and a boycott call issued by a banned group. The voting and subsequent results mark a significant political development for the region amid opposition and security challenges.