PML-N secures AJK majority, says Sanaullah

Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured a simple majority in the Azad

Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured a simple majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly after winning 13 of the 20 seats contested in the first two phases of the elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, Sanaullah said the election process had so far been completed on 20 constituencies. He said polling was first held on 13 seats and later conducted on seven more seats during the second phase.

According to Sanaullah, the PML-N won 13 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured seven seats. He added that the PML-N also emerged victorious on 10 of the 12 refugee seats, taking the party’s total strength in the 45-member AJK Legislative Assembly to 23 seats.

He said the party now has the required numbers to form a simple majority government in Azad Kashmir. Sanaullah congratulated PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, party workers and all successful candidates on what he described as a major electoral success.

The adviser said the victory reflected the confidence of the people of Azad Kashmir in the policies and leadership of the PML-N. He added that the new government would focus on fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign and would work for the development, prosperity and welfare of the region.

Sanaullah rejected allegations of election rigging made by the Pakistan Peoples Party. He maintained that the elections were conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner under the supervision of the Election Commission and relevant state institutions.

He alleged that some opposition leaders started questioning the election results only after realising they were losing in several constituencies. He urged political parties to respect the democratic process and avoid making accusations without presenting evidence.

Referring to incidents reported during polling, Sanaullah claimed that attempts were made in some areas to create unrest and discourage voter turnout. However, he said the administration, police and security agencies effectively handled the situation and ensured that polling continued smoothly.

He also expressed confidence that the PML-N would perform strongly in the remaining phase of the elections. He said the party expects to win more seats when polling is held on the remaining constituencies, further strengthening its position in the legislative assembly.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister Amir Muqam described the election outcome as a victory for democracy and the people of Azad Kashmir. He said voters actively participated in the electoral process despite concerns raised before polling and demonstrated their trust in the democratic system.

Muqam praised the Election Commission, civil administration, police and security institutions for ensuring peaceful and orderly polling across the region. He said the successful completion of the first two phases reflected effective coordination among all institutions involved in the election process.

The minister said the PML-N’s campaign was based on public service, development and good governance. He added that the party leadership remained fully engaged throughout the campaign, while workers reached out to voters across Azad Kashmir to present the party’s vision and manifesto.