ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Monday claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would form a government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir with a two-thirds majority after the completion of the third phase of the electoral process.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, Sanaullah said that the polling process had remained largely peaceful and the people of AJK were exercising their right to vote to choose their representatives.
He said the government formation process would begin after the completion of the third phase of the elections.
“Overall, the polling process is continuing peacefully,” Sanaullah said, adding that the people of Azad Kashmir were transferring their mandate to their elected representatives through the ballot.
He criticised the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for raising allegations of rigging, saying the intensity of such allegations had decreased compared with earlier stages of the election.
Sanaullah said that those making allegations of electoral malpractice had so far failed to present evidence to substantiate their claims.
He said that the AJK Election Commission had decided to postpone polling in certain constituencies because of sit-ins and protests.
“The people who wanted to stop the right of the people to vote have failed in their objectives,” Sanaullah said, adding that the protesters had failed to derail the AJK elections.
He warned that elements who, according to him, were “playing into the hands of the enemy” would have to face the law.
“Action will be taken against those who take up arms,” he said.
Sanaullah, however, said the government was willing to review the legitimate demands of the protesters.
He said the federal and AJK governments had considered it appropriate to give the protesters time to present their demands and hoped they would now end their demonstrations.
The adviser claimed that the results available so far indicated that the PML-N would secure enough seats to form a government with a two-thirds majority in AJK.
He said the elected government would run the affairs of Azad Kashmir through democratic means and focus on resolving issues faced by the people.
Amir Muqam thanks AJK voters
Speaking on the occasion, Amir Muqam thanked the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for what he described as their strong support for the PML-N.
He said that the party would translate the public mandate into practical measures aimed at development and improved public services.
“Development of Azad Kashmir, service to the people and resolution of their problems are the PML-N’s top priorities,” Muqam said.
He pointed to the large turnout at the PML-N rally in Haveli and the enthusiasm displayed by voters before polling as evidence of public support for the party.
“Whatever the allegations of our opponents, the people have responded through their votes,” he said.
Muqam also rejected allegations of rigging in the AJK elections, describing them as baseless.
He criticised the PPP for repeatedly raising objections to the electoral process, saying he was surprised by the party’s reaction to the results.
He urged political figures and supporters coming from Sindh, Punjab and other parts of the country to respect the mandate given by the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The statements by the PML-N leaders came as the AJK electoral process entered its final phase amid political tensions, allegations of irregularities and protests in some constituencies.
The final outcome will determine the composition of the AJK government, with the PML-N expressing confidence that it will secure a two-thirds majority and take charge of the administration for the next term.
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