Rana Sanaullah says PML-N is confident of winning the upcoming seats and forming the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government with a two-thirds majority as the third phase of elections approaches.
PML-N Eyes Two-Thirds Majority
Adviser to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is only six seats short of securing a two-thirds majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly.
Sanaullah made the remarks on Saturday while addressing a public rally in Bagh, as the party intensified its campaign ahead of the third phase of the AJK elections.
He expressed hope that the PML-N would win all four constituencies scheduled to go to the polls on August 10, which would further strengthen its position in the assembly.
PML-N Leads After First Two Phases
The PML-N has emerged as the leading political force following the first two phases of the AJK elections.
According to the results cited in the report, the PML-N has so far secured 24 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has won 10 seats.
Sanaullah’s latest statement suggests that the ruling party in Islamabad believes it is within reach of forming the AJK government with a two-thirds majority.
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam also expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, saying the PML-N would form the AJK government with a two-thirds majority.
Four Seats to Be Contested on August 10
The third phase of the AJK elections will cover constituencies in Bagh and Haveli districts on August 10, according to the revised schedule issued by the AJK Election Commission.
The wider Poonch Division consists of 11 constituencies, including three in Bagh, one in Haveli, five in Poonch and two in Sudhnoti.
However, the Election Commission has postponed the polling schedule for Poonch and Sudhnoti. New dates will be announced after the electoral authorities review the prevailing situation.
Meanwhile, the campaign for the third phase is scheduled to conclude at midnight on August 8.
PML-N, PPP Win One Seat Each as Delayed AJK Poll Results Complete Second Phase
Sanaullah Responds to Bilawal
Sanaullah also took aim at PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who has recently claimed that the countdown for the PML-N government in Islamabad has begun.
Responding to Bilawal’s remarks during his rally, Sanaullah said those issuing countdown warnings would themselves be “straightened out”.
The exchange reflects growing political tensions between the PML-N and PPP as both parties compete for influence in AJK.
Bilawal Warns of Trouble for PML-N
A day earlier, Bilawal had rejected the PML-N’s expectation of forming the AJK government, arguing that the party was mistaken in assuming it would secure power in the region.
He also claimed that the PML-N government in Islamabad was facing political risks.
Bilawal said the countdown had been started by people within the PML-N itself and alleged that a section of the party wanted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to enter into conflict with his political allies.
Referring to reported differences within the Sharif family, the PPP chairman described the situation as a dispute between Islamabad and Lahore.
Polling Situation in Rawalakot
The AJK chief election commissioner also provided an update regarding polling in Rawalakot.
He said that once the issue surrounding ongoing sit-ins is resolved, the authorities could announce a polling date for Rawalakot within seven days.
The election authorities are therefore continuing to assess the situation before finalising the remaining schedule.
With the third phase approaching, the contest is increasingly significant for the PML-N, which is seeking to turn its lead in the first two phases into a parliamentary majority and potentially establish its government in AJK.
