PML-N intensifies AJK election campaign in crucial third phase

Outcome to determine final composition of the 45-member legislature, pave the way for formation of the next AJK gov

With just days left before the decisive third and final phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general elections, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Friday intensified its campaign in Rawalakot Division, expressing confidence of securing a two-thirds majority in the 45-member Legislative Assembly after polling in Bagh and Haveli on August 10.

Addressing a public rally in Haveli, Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah claimed that the results of the first two phases of the elections had demonstrated public confidence in the PML-N, saying the party was well placed to secure the numbers required to form the next government in AJK.

"The people have already endorsed the PML-N in the first two phases, and the remaining constituencies will further strengthen the party's mandate," he said, predicting that voters in Haveli and across three seats of Bagh would enable the party to secure a two-third majority in the Legislative Assembly.

The August 10 polling will conclude the three-phase election process, with voters in the 4 constituencies of Bagh and Haveli. Rawalakot and Sudhnoti districts set to elect their representatives in the fourth phase. The outcome will determine the final composition of the 45-member legislature and pave the way for the formation of the next AJK government.

READ: AJK elections to be held in three phases from July 27: election commissioner

Rana Sanaullah said a PML-N government in AJK would fulfil its election commitments and accelerate development projects in coordination with the federal government. Referring to commitments announced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the election campaign, he said Punjab-style development initiatives would be extended to AJK, adding that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif would personally oversee major development schemes in the region.

Rejecting allegations of electoral manipulation, he maintained that the first two phases of polling had been conducted transparently and peacefully and described accusations of rigging as baseless.

Turning to national issues, the adviser stressed the need for political stability and national unity, saying Pakistan would continue extending political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He reiterated Islamabad's longstanding position on the Kashmir dispute and paid tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmiris.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, who also addressed the gathering, said the PML-N leadership had consistently stood with the people of AJK and pledged that a future party government would prioritise public welfare and infrastructure development.

READ MORE: Poonch takes centre stage in AJK poll finale

He announced that road connectivity and other infrastructure projects in areas along the Line of Control (LoC) would receive priority, alongside development schemes aimed at improving public services. Muqam expressed confidence that the party's candidate, Chaudhry Mohsin Aziz, would emerge victorious in Haveli and contribute to the PML-N securing a commanding majority in the Legislative Assembly after the August 10 vote.

The third phase of polling is expected to be closely watched as political parties make 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.

The final phase will cover constituencies across the districts of Bagh, Haveli, Poonch (Rawalakot) and Sudhnoti.

Four constituencies - LA-14 Bagh-I, LA-15 Bagh-II, LA-16 Bagh-III and LA-17 Bagh/Haveli Kahuta - comprise the Bagh and Haveli region, while the remaining seven constituencies, LA-18 to LA-24, cover Rawalakot, Poonch and Sudhnoti.