PML-N wins key refugee seat in Gujrat’s political backyard

GUJRAT: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Chaudhry Zeeshan Younas has officially won the LA-38 (Jammu-V) seat in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, a result that is being viewed as politically significant in Gujrat, where the Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) maintains a strong political foothold.

According to the official results, Zeeshan Younas secured 13,652 votes, defeating the Pakistan Muslim League (AJK) candidate Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim, who polled 9,523 votes. The constituency is one of the 12 refugee seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in different districts of Punjab.

The outcome has generated considerable political discussion in Gujrat as LA-38 falls within the political sphere of NA-63, represented in the National Assembly by PML-Q leader Hussain Elahi. The district is widely regarded as one of the strongest political bases of the Chaudhry family, with PML-Q also holding representation in the Punjab cabinet.

During the election campaign, Hussain Elahi personally led the campaign for Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim, addressing public meetings, corner gatherings and mobilising party workers across the constituency. Senior PML-Q leaders remained actively engaged in an effort to retain the seat.

In response, the PML-N launched an extensive campaign led by Divisional President Chaudhry Abid Raza, District President Nawabzada Tahir-ul-Mulk, and Youth Wing Coordinator Chaudhry Ali Warraich, who remained active throughout the campaign by organising corner meetings, interacting with voters and coordinating election activities.

Political analysts believe the result carries significance beyond the AJK elections, as it reflects the continuing political rivalry between PML-N and PML-Q in Gujrat. Despite PML-Q’s longstanding influence in the district and its representation in both the National Assembly and the Punjab government, PML-N managed to secure a convincing victory in the refugee constituency.

Polling for LA-38 was held as part of the second phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections, during which voting took place on 21 constituencies. Of these, 12 refugee seats represent Jammu and Kashmir refugees settled in various districts of Punjab, while the remaining seats are located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the announcement of the official results, PML-N workers celebrated the victory in different parts of Gujrat, describing it as an important political achievement in a district traditionally considered a stronghold of PML-Q. Political observers believe the result is likely to further intensify competition between the two parties in future electoral contests.

The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has released the official results, confirming Chaudhry Zeeshan Younas as the returned candidate from LA-38 (Jammu-V).