MUZAFFARABAD — Lawmakers in Azad Jammu and Kashmir convened on Thursday to elect a new president, ending a vacancy that has stretched since January following the death of Barrister Sultan Mahmood.
The Legislative Assembly session was called for 10am, with voting scheduled to run from 10am to 1pm. Two candidates are in contention: Dr Najeeb Naqi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Latif Akbar of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Vacancy Since January
The president’s office has remained unfilled since the death of Barrister Sultan Mahmood earlier this year. In the interim, the role was carried by the speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
- Then-Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar served as acting president following the vacancy.
- Incumbent Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq assumed the role after his election as speaker on August 25.
PML-N Holds the Advantage
With a majority in the Assembly, PML-N is positioned to see its nominee elected as the next AJK president. Dr Najeeb Naqi, a former health minister who hails from the Sudhnoti district, is considered the likely victor.
The outcome of Thursday’s vote will determine who takes charge of the presidency at a time when the region’s political landscape remains closely watched.
