ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) has announced that it would form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after securing the highest number of seats in the recently completed election process. Addressing a press conference, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said PML-N candidates had already won 25 seats and expect their total strength to reach around 33 seats after the allocation …
PML-N wins 25 AJK seats, eyes two-thirds majority as Rana Sanaullah announces govt formation
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) has announced that it would form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after securing the highest number of seats in the recently completed election process.
Addressing a press conference, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said PML-N candidates had already won 25 seats and expect their total strength to reach around 33 seats after the allocation of special seats, bringing the party close to a two-thirds majority in the 53-member legislative assembly.
He said the three phases of the election had been completed and voters have given PML-N a mandate to lead the region. According to party estimates, 36 seats were required for a two-thirds majority in the full house. He expressed confidence that upcoming elections on seven remaining seats could help the party achieve that target.
He said elections could not be held earlier on six seats because of the security situation, while voting on one seat was postponed following the death of a candidate and would now take place through a by-election.
PML-N leader linked the election outcome to their campaign message of development and public services. He said party leader Nawaz Sharif had appealed directly to voters in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, asking them to support PML-N for the future progress of Azad Kashmir and to strengthen its relationship with the federal government.
During the campaign, the party also highlighted projects and public initiatives carried out by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Leaders said they wanted to implement similar development programs in Azad Kashmir and claimed the election result reflected public support for that vision.
The party thanked voters across Azad Kashmir for supporting its candidates and pledged to fulfill commitments made during the election campaign. Leaders said the newly elected team would focus on addressing public concerns and improving conditions across the region.
A major announcement during the press conference was the inclusion of newly elected LA-14 representative Sajid Iqbal in the party’s wider political team. According to PML-N leaders, discussions had been held with him over the past few days regarding cooperation for development projects and governance matters in Azad Kashmir.
Party representatives said they were seeking support from all elected members to address challenges faced in the region. Referring to protest movements and sit-ins, they stated that most participants were patriotic citizens who want better opportunities and improved living conditions. They said only a small number of individuals may have different objectives, while the majority remained committed to the welfare of Kashmir and the country.
Sajid Iqbal accepted the party’s invitation to work alongside PML-N on issues affecting his constituency and the wider region. Party leaders welcomed his decision and congratulated the voters of LA-14.
PML-N leaders also noted that former party candidate Raja Faisal Azad had accepted the election outcome. They said both political teams in LA-14 would now work together to address local issues and support development efforts. The party expressed hope that this cooperation would contribute to governance, public services, and future projects across Azad Kashmir.
