BAGH, AJK, Aug 8 (Alliance News): Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Saturday said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) requires only six more seats to secure a two-thirds majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly.
Addressing a public rally in Bagh district ahead of the third phase of the AJK elections in Poonch Division, Sanaullah expressed confidence that the PML-N would continue its electoral momentum and secure victory in the remaining constituencies.
Poonch Division comprises 11 constituencies, including three in Bagh, one in Haveli, five in Poonch and two in Sudhnoti district. Under the revised schedule issued by the AJK Election Commission, polling in Bagh and Haveli districts will be held on August 10, while fresh polling dates for Poonch and Sudhnoti will be announced after a review of the prevailing situation.
The PML-N has emerged as the leading party following the first two phases of the AJK elections, securing 24 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has won 10 seats.
Sanaullah expressed optimism that the PML-N would win all four seats being contested on August 10, bringing the party closer to a two-thirds majority in the legislative assembly.
Responding to recent remarks by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who claimed that the countdown had begun for the PML-N-led federal government, Sanaullah said, “Those counting down will themselves be straightened out, and so will their count.”
Speaking at the same rally, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam reiterated that the PML-N would form the next AJK government with a two-thirds majority.
Meanwhile, AJK Chief Election Commissioner said that polling in Rawalakot would be scheduled within the next seven days once the issue of ongoing sit-ins is resolved.
He also announced that the election campaign for the third phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections would conclude at midnight on Saturday.
A day earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari rejected the PML-N’s claim of forming the next AJK government, arguing that the party’s government in Islamabad was itself facing political challenges.
Bilawal alleged that internal differences within the ruling party had weakened its position and claimed that the countdown for the federal government’s downfall had already begun.
