PML-N Wins 25 AJK Seats, Eyes Two-thirds Majority As Rana Sanaullah Announces Govt Formation
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 17th Aug, 2026)
Pakistan
The Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) has announced its intention to form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after securing the highest number of seats in the recently concluded election process.
Addressing a press conference, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated that PML-N candidates had already won 25 seats and expected their total strength to reach around 33 seats after the allocation of special seats, bringing the party close to achieving a two-thirds majority in the 53-member legislative assembly.
He explained that the three phases of the election had been completed and voters had granted PML-N a mandate to lead the region. According to party estimates, 36 seats were required for a two-thirds majority in the full house. Expressing confidence, he believed that upcoming elections on seven remaining seats would help the party reach its target.
He attributed the election outcome to the party’s campaign message of development and public services. Rana Sanaullah linked the result to PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif‘s direct appeal to voters in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, requesting their support for PML-N to ensure the future progress of Azad Kashmir and strengthen its relationship with the Federal government.
During the campaign, the party also showcased projects and public initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Party leaders aimed to implement similar development programs in Azad Kashmir and claimed that the election result reflected public support for this vision.
The party expressed gratitude towards voters across Azad Kashmir for supporting its candidates and pledged to fulfill commitments made during the election campaign. They assured that the newly elected team would prioritize addressing public concerns and improving conditions throughout the region.
A significant announcement at the press conference was the inclusion of Sajid Iqbal, the newly elected LA-14 representative, into the PML-N’s broader political team. According to party leaders, discussions regarding cooperation for development projects and governance matters in Azad Kashmir had been held with him over recent days.
Party representatives sought support from all elected members to overcome challenges faced in the region, addressing protest movements and sit-ins. They claimed that most participants were patriotic citizens seeking better opportunities and improved living conditions, while a small minority may have alternate objectives.
