AJK elections: PML-N claims victory as key winner joins party

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is set to form the government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following recent elections, with party leader Rana Sanaullah announcing a key victory. Sajid Iqbal Abbasi, who secured the LA-14 seat under the Jammu Kashmir Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party's banner, has now joined the PML-N.

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Sajid Iqbal Abbasi, who won the LA-14 seat on Jammu Kashmir Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party’s ticket in recent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), had joined his party.

Sanaullah, who also serves as an advisor to the Prime Minister on political affairs, expressed confidence that the PML-N's current tally of 25 seats, combined with an anticipated 33 seats after the allocation of reserved seats, will grant them a near two-thirds majority in the 53-member legislative assembly. This projection comes despite challenges and allegations from rival parties.

The elections in AJK were conducted in phases, with the Election Commission citing security concerns as a reason for the staggered process. The PML-N had already established a strong lead by winning 25 seats before Abbasi's defection. In contrast, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the PML-N's primary competitor, secured only 12 constituencies and has raised concerns about alleged rigging and electoral malpractices.

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the PML-N was set to form the government in AJK as it had secured 25 seats in the elections.

Further complicating the political landscape, elections for seven seats in AJK are yet to be held, also due to ongoing security issues. Sanaullah remains optimistic, however, stating that the people have given the PML-N a clear mandate and that the upcoming elections for the remaining seats could help the party achieve its two-thirds majority goal.

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the people had given the PML-N the mandate in AJK.