ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has declared that the Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML‑N) will form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with a two‑thirds majority, once the third phase of elections concludes.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Federal Minister Amir Muqam, Sanaullah said the polling process was largely peaceful and that the people of AJK were handing over their mandate through votes.
He dismissed opposition allegations of rigging, noting that the PPP continues to raise claims without evidence, though “not as intense as before.”
Sanaullah asserted that sit‑ins in some constituencies forced the Election Commission to postpone polling, but attempts to block voter participation had failed.
“Those who play into the hands of the enemy will face the law. Action will be taken against elements who take up arms,” he warned.
He acknowledged that one party worker had died but clarified it was due to heart disease, rejecting claims of targeted violence.
He added that the government would reconsider the legitimate demands of protesters, expressing hope that sit‑ins would now end.
Referring to the broader electoral process, Sanaullah reminded that the PPP itself had agreed to phased elections, yet now accuses the Commission of manipulation.
He said the PML‑N leadership showed generosity after the Gilgit‑Baltistan elections, and urged the PPP to “accept the people’s mandate and congratulate us on our victory.”
According to results so far, PML‑N leads with 24 seats in the 45‑member assembly, while PPP holds 10. With the outcome of the third phase pending, analysts note that Sanaullah’s confidence in a two‑thirds majority comes amid what observers describe as the most controversial elections in AJK’s history — marred by clashes in Nakyal, riots in Samahni, violence in Rawlakot, and repeated opposition claims of fake voting and attacks on leaders.
