ISLAMABAD — Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah declared on Wednesday that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir had placed their confidence in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, predicting the party would secure a two-thirds majority in the AJK Assembly once the electoral process concludes.
Speaking at a press conference in the federal capital alongside other PML-N leaders, Sanaullah acknowledged that party candidate Raja Faisal Ijaz had contested the LA-14 constituency on a PML-N ticket but said the party accepted the electorate’s verdict in that race.
Party Unity and Local Alliances
Sanaullah announced that Sajid Iqbal had joined the PML-N team and pledged support for the party’s development agenda in the constituency. He said Raja Faisal Ijaz and Sajid Iqbal would now work together “like brothers” for the area’s progress.
The adviser thanked voters in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur for reposing confidence in PML-N candidates, asserting that the newly elected representatives were capable of addressing public issues.
“Azad Jammu and Kashmir needs development, and the people have chosen leaders who can deliver,” Sanaullah said.
Turnout and Transparency
Sanaullah stressed that clean and transparent elections were essential for resolving AJK’s problems, noting that overall voter turnout stood at 56 percent. He described the mandate as clear and said the new assembly would be formed in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions.
Addressing ongoing protests, the adviser said those participating in the sit-in were “also considered brothers” and that 99 percent of them were patriots. He emphasized that the people of Kashmir have the same rights as citizens elsewhere in Pakistan.
Response to PPP Objections
Responding to objections raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party over election results, Sanaullah urged aggrieved parties to pursue legal channels rather than public agitation.
“The Election Commission and relevant laws are in place. Election disputes should be addressed in accordance with the Constitution and law,” he said. “The government has no authority to alter the mandate given by the people.”
Sanaullah said the AJK Assembly had been constituted and that the new government would have authority to make decisions within the constitutional and legal framework.
Other Matters
When asked about the creation of new provinces, Sanaullah said a detailed response would be provided at a separate press conference. He also noted that PML-N leader Amir Muqam could not attend the briefing due to ill health.
