PML-N leaders interview candidates for AJK reserved seats

PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif have interviewed candidates vying for party tickets for five women's reserved seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly. The interviews took place in Murree, where party discussions have focused on allocating reserved seats and forming the government following recent AJK elections.

During the session, PML-N AJK Regional President Shah Ghulam Qadir and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah were also present. A statement from the PML-N highlighted the "active and significant" role of women in the AJK elections, viewing their participation as a positive development for democracy.

Aspiring candidates underwent individual interviews, each lasting five to ten minutes. Notable candidates included the widow of late Raja Abid Khan, PML-N AJK Women’s Wing President Maryam Kashmiri, and former MLAs Sehrish Qamar and Nisara Abbasi. The PML-N, having secured 25 directly elected seats and one allied member, anticipates winning four of the five women's reserved seats and all three other reserved seats.

Separately, the AJK Election Commission has announced the schedule for elections to eight reserved seats in the Legislative Assembly, with polling slated for August 24. The AJK Constitution stipulates that the Legislative Assembly comprises 53 members, including 45 directly elected and eight chosen by elected representatives. The reserved seats include five for women, and one each for religious scholars, state subjects residing abroad, and technocrats or professionals. Elections for seven of the 45 directly elected seats were postponed due to law and order concerns, meaning 38 elected members will participate in the reserved seat elections.

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active and significant