PML-N meeting ends without a decision on new AJK PM

The PML-N meeting in Murree concluded without reaching a decision on the new prime minister for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The meeting, chaired by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, included key party members and officials. PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir is seen as the frontrunner for the position, alongside Tariq Farooq and retired Colonel Waqar Noor.

The party initially focused on finalizing candidates for reserved seats, which include those for women, overseas Kashmiris, and others. PML-N President Nawaz Sharif will ultimately decide on the candidates, with the announcement expected on Monday. The candidate for the AJK prime minister's post will be revealed later. Sharif had earlier encouraged political opponents to avoid hostility, emphasizing his party's commitment to serving the AJK people following their electoral victory.

The PML-N secured 24 seats in the AJK elections, as confirmed by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. Chaudhry noted that the party has a clear majority and will receive three reserved seats, bringing their total to 30. These reserved seats cater to women, technocrats, Ulema, and Mashaikh. The AJK Legislative Assembly session is set to convene the following week, where elected members will take their oaths, and elections for reserved positions, including speaker and prime minister, will be held.

Chaudhry stressed the need for a stable and robust government in AJK, considering the region's current circumstances.