PML-N Secures Simple Majority in AJK, Say Rana Sanaullah, Amir Muqam

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam on Monday said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had secured a simple majority in the first two phases of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, describing the polls as free, fair and transparent.

Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad, Rana Sanaullah said the successful completion of two phases of the elections reflected the victory of democracy, the people of Kashmir and the writ of the state. He said PML-N had emerged with a clear majority and was in a position to form the next government in Azad Kashmir.

He said the people had expressed confidence in the leadership and policies of PML-N, adding that the party would fulfil all promises made to the people of Azad Kashmir. He congratulated the Election Commission, civil administration and security institutions for ensuring peaceful and transparent elections.

Rana Sanaullah criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for alleging rigging even before the polling process had concluded. He said the PPP’s allegations continued to shrink whenever evidence was sought and maintained that no credible proof of large-scale irregularities had been presented.

He said a meeting of the PML-N parliamentary party would be held immediately after the final phase of the elections to discuss the formation of the new government. He expressed confidence that the party would launch a new era of development and public welfare in Azad Kashmir.

Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam said the successful conduct of the elections was not only a victory for PML-N but also for democracy, the people of Kashmir and state institutions. He said voters had rejected boycott calls and participated enthusiastically in the electoral process despite various challenges.

He said the PML-N had been actively working in Azad Kashmir for the past two years, and the election results reflected the public’s trust in the party. He expressed confidence that the party would also perform strongly in the third and final phase of the elections.

Amir Muqam urged protesters staging a sit-in to return to the negotiating table, saying political issues could only be resolved through dialogue. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and working for the development and welfare of the people of Azad Kashmir.