PML-N and PPP Nominees Submit Papers for AJK Council Seats Ahead of Polls

MUZAFFARABAD: The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have officially filed nomination papers for four vacant seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Council on Thursday.

The PML-N has nominated three candidates: Chaudhry Mohammad Saeed, Mushtaq Ahmed Minhas, and Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed, while the PPP has put forward former Legislative Assembly speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar for the fourth seat. Notably, Saeed and Minhas previously lost to PPP candidates in the recent general elections from Mirpur and Bagh, respectively, while Manzoor, a senior PML-N figure from Muzaffarabad, has yet to contest an election.

This development is significant as it reflects the ongoing political rivalry between the two major parties in the region, potentially impacting future governance and policy-making in AJK. The outcome of these nominations could influence the balance of power within the council, which plays a crucial role in the administration of the region.

The scrutiny of the nomination papers is scheduled for 10 am on Friday, with appeals against any rejections to be filed on October 5. Candidates may withdraw their nominations by noon on October 7, and the final list of candidates will be published by 2 pm on October 9. Polling is set for October 12 at the Legislative Assembly Hall, although if all four candidates are unopposed, polling may not be necessary.