Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and Prime Minister’s aide on political affairs Rana Sanaullah stated on Saturday that his party expects to form a two-thirds majority government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Speaking at a public gathering in Bagh, Sanaullah announced that holding negotiations with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and resolving their demands will serve as the newly elected government’s primary focus.
During his address, Sanaullah emphasized that the Kashmir liberation movement represents a vital mission for Pakistan’s national completion. According to the PML-N leader, Pakistan remains incomplete without the region, describing Kashmir as Pakistan’s jugular vein and asserting that no global power can sever the bond between them. He pointed to the public trust placed in Mian Nawaz Sharif and the development achieved in Punjab as drivers of local support for the party.
Electoral Math and Expected Assembly Gains in Poonch and Bagh
Sanaullah detailed the party’s current legislative standing and projected upcoming victories in the final electoral phase. He stated that the PML-N holds the strength of 30 members, consisting of 24 elected representatives and six reserved seats. To secure a two-thirds majority, the party requires six additional votes, which Sanaullah claimed would be achieved by winning four more seats during the final phase of voting on the 10th.
The upcoming polling covers constituencies across Bagh, Haveli, Poonch (Rawalakot), and Sudhnoti districts. Specifically, the Bagh and Haveli region includes constituencies LA-14 Bagh-I, LA-15 Bagh-II, LA-16 Bagh-III, and LA-17 Bagh/Haveli Kahuta, while seven constituencies from LA-18 to LA-24 span Rawalakot, Poonch, and Sudhnoti. Sanaullah expressed strong confidence that his party would capture five of the seven contested seats in Poonch Division, enabling the formation of the AJK government within the next two to three weeks.
The final electoral phase covers constituencies across the districts of Bagh, Haveli, Poonch (Rawalakot) and Sudhnoti, with political parties making their final push to consolidate support before the completion of the third phase of the electoral process and the formation of the next government in AJK.
Prioritizing Joint Action Committee Negotiations
Addressing future governance plans, Sanaullah committed the incoming administration to immediate talks with the JAAC once the two-thirds majority government takes office. He characterized 99 per cent of the individuals within the Action Committee as patriotic brothers from both Kashmir and Pakistan. He further urged the public to join hands in identifying and defeating any small fringe groups attempting to create local divisions.
In the same address, Sanaullah responded to criticism from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who previously remarked about starting a countdown for the current government. Sanaullah dismissed the comments, stating that those who initiate countdowns will see their own political standing corrected. He reiterated that the PML-N already holds governance in Bagh and will deliver on the promises made by party leader Nawaz Sharif.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PML-N’s target for the AJK assembly?
Ranaullah stated that the PML-N aims to form a government with a two-thirds majority, requiring additional wins in the final phase of elections to complement its existing 30 members.
What will be the new government’s first priority?
According to Sanaullah, the newly formed government’s first priority will be to hold talks with the Joint Awami Action Committee and resolve the issues raised by it.
Which regions are included in the final phase of polling?
The final phase covers constituencies across the districts of Bagh, Haveli, Poonch (Rawalakot), and Sudhnoti.
How will the outcome of the final electoral phase impact political stability and local governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the coming weeks?
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