# Azad Jammu and Kashmir election and political transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/azad-jammu-and-kashmir-election-and-political-transition > Updated: 2026-08-15T15:13:20.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. During the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) election cycle, Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) campaigned on a platform of significant regional development. Ahead of the phased elections, which were scheduled from late July to early August, Sharif expressed his intention to serve as premier and pledged to increase the AJK budget tenfold, promising new motorways, hospitals, and infrastructure projects. The election period was marked by instability, including protests by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), allegations of rigging, internet blackouts, and deadly clashes that resulted in more than 30 deaths. Following the elections, the PML-N appeared positioned to secure a majority in the 53-member legislative assembly. Sharif subsequently addressed the region's political grievances and the perceived failures of previous governments, vowing to prioritize social initiatives such as student scholarships and improved public services. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-15: Nawaz Sharif vows development push for Azad Kashmir PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif has vowed to transform Azad Kashmir through major development initiatives after acknowledging the governance failures of previous administrations. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nawaz-sharif-vows-development-push-for-azad-kashmir ### 2026-07-21: Nawaz Sharif seeks to become Azad Jammu and Kashmir premier amid elections Former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif announced he will seek the AJK premiership if PML‑N wins the July‑August 2026 elections, promising a tenfold budget boost and infrastructure projects amid ongoing regional uphe‑ 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nawaz-sharif-vows-to-seek-ajk-premiership-if-pmln-wins-elections --- Cite as: Azad Jammu and Kashmir election and political transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/azad-jammu-and-kashmir-election-and-political-transition