LAHORE, Aug 25: The ruling Pakistan Muslim League was leading in most of the districts in the Punjab, including the provincial capital, according to unofficial results of second phase of local body polls in the province, received on Thursday night.

In Lahore, results from 43 union councils put the PML ahead with 21 seats, with opposition getting 15 and the rest going to independents. The total number of councils in the nine-town city district government is 150.

In Faisalabad, which has the highest number of union councils, the PML was facing tough fight from opposition in urban areas but was comfortably placed in rural areas.

In Gujrat and Jhelum, the ruling party was in clear lead. In Mandi Bahauddin district, candidates backed by opposition were leading, specially in Malikwal tehsil.

In Kasur tehsil, the opposition-backed group was clearly ahead of the PML-backed group of former tehsil nazim.

In Mianwali, rival PML groups backed by provincial minister Gul Hamid Rokhri and federal minister Sher Afgan were locked in a closed battle.

In Toba Tek Singh, the group of official nominee for district nazim Abdus Sattar was in clear lead. Mr Sattar also had the opposition support.

In Okara and Narowal, there was a tough competition between rival PML groups.

Meanwhile, supporters of winning candidates celebrated their victories with fireworks in the walled city and some posh areas of the provincial capital.

Some enthusiasts resorted to firing into the air in Taxali and Bhati gates, Rang Mahal, Gowalmandi, parts of Gulberg, Faisal and Garden towns besides the extension blocks of Model Town.

Processions were also taken out in almost all areas of the walled city and sweets were distributed.

REPORTS: The National Crisis Management Cell has sent its report to the president and prime minister on peace and security situation during second phase of local body elections.