PML-N's Dr Najeeb Naqi sworn in as AJK president after his election

Muzaffarabad witnessed the swearing-in of Dr Najeeb Naqi, a member of the ruling PML-N, as the president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Thursday. This followed his election to the office, with Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram administering the oath in a ceremony held at the President's House in Muzaffarabad. Naqi secured 32 votes during the election, while PPP’s Chaudhry Latif Akbar garnered 13 votes.

Polling lasted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the assembly comprising 46 members due to the law and order situation in Poonch and Sudhnoti districts, where elections for seven seats were postponed. Following the announcement of the results, supporters of Dr Naqi gathered outside the assembly and raised slogans. In his brief speech, Naqi acknowledged the difficulties faced by Poonch, his hometown, and expressed his determination to overcome these challenges while meeting the expectations of the people of Azad Kashmir.

He thanked his supporters for traveling from far-off places and promised to work towards the welfare of the citizens. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Naqi on his victory and expressed hope for his effective performance in the development and prosperity of the region. Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin accused the PPP of rigging the recent elections and alleged that the government was making decisions based on political vengeance.

However, Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq dismissed these allegations and encouraged the opposition to focus on the presidential election, stating that Dr Naqi's election brought a "breeze of fresh air" to the division.