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Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured a simple majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly after winning 13 of the 20 seats contested in the first two phases of the elections. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, Sanaullah said the election process had so far been completed on 20 constituencies. He said polling was first held on 13 seats and later conducted on seven more seats during the second phase. According to Sanaullah, the PML-N won 13 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured seven seats. He added that the PML-N also emerged victorious on 10 of the 12 refugee seats, taking the party’s total strength in the 45-member AJK Legislative Assembly to 23 seats. He said the party now has the required numbers to form a simple majority government in Azad Kashmir. Sanaullah congratulated PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, party workers and all successful candidates on what he described as a major electoral success. The adviser said the victory reflected the confidence of the people of Azad Kashmir in the policies and leadership of the PML-N. He added that the new government would focus on fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign and would work for the development, prosperity and welfare of the region. Sanaullah rejected allegations of election rigging made by the Pakistan Peoples Party. He maintained that the elections were conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner under the supervision of the Election Commission and relevant state institutions. He alleged that some opposition leaders started questioning the election results only after realising they were losing in several constituencies. He urged political parties to respect the democratic process and avoid making accusations without presenting evidence. Referring to incidents reported during polling, Sanaullah claimed that attempts were made in some areas to create unrest and discourage voter turnout. However, he said the administration, police and security agencies effectively handled the situation and ensured that polling continued smoothly. He also expressed confidence that the PML-N would perform strongly in the remaining phase of the elections. He said the party expects to win more seats when polling is held on the remaining constituencies, further strengthening its position in the legislative assembly. Meanwhile, Federal Minister Amir Muqam described the election outcome as a victory for democracy and the people of Azad Kashmir. He said voters actively participated in the electoral process despite concerns raised before polling and demonstrated their trust in the democratic system. Muqam praised the Election Commission, civil administration, police and security institutions for ensuring peaceful and orderly polling across the region. He said the successful completion of the first two phases reflected effective coordination among all institutions involved in the election process. The minister said the PML-N’s campaign was based on public service, development and good governance. He added that the party leadership remained fully engaged throughout the campaign, while workers reached out to voters across Azad Kashmir to present the party’s vision and manifesto.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has announced that it will challenge the results of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections through legal and constitutional forums, alleging widespread rigging, voter manipulation and administrative interference during the electoral process. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, accompanied by senior PPP leader Chaudhry Yasin, accused the federal government, the AJK Election Commission and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of working together to influence the election outcome. He claimed the electoral process was neither transparent nor impartial and alleged that several complaints submitted by the PPP were ignored by the election authorities. Memon said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had repeatedly called for free, fair and transparent elections in AJK. He said Bilawal had urged all institutions to protect the democratic process and ensure that the interests of the Kashmiri people remained above political considerations. The PPP leader alleged that the AJK Election Commission failed to perform its constitutional responsibilities fairly. He claimed the commission did not take action on complaints submitted by the party during polling and questioned its impartiality throughout the election process. According to Memon, polling staff and election materials reached several polling stations late, affecting the voting process and creating unnecessary confusion among voters. He also questioned the postponement of polling in constituency LA-27, saying the decision was based on weather conditions despite what he described as clear circumstances. He further alleged that violence and intimidation were reported in several constituencies during polling. Referring to the killing of PPP worker Mukhtar Younis in LA-9 Nikyal, Memon claimed the incident reflected the deteriorating security situation on election day. He also alleged that attacks on PPP workers and political leaders were not properly investigated despite complaints to the relevant authorities. Memon accused authorities of failing to take action against those allegedly involved in election-related violence. He also claimed that PPP workers who reached certain polling stations after receiving reports of irregularities came under fire. The senior minister further alleged that ballot papers had reached some candidates before polling day and claimed there were serious violations during the voting process. He also alleged that voter turnout in one constituency exceeded 100 percent and called on the Election Commission to investigate the matter immediately. He said the PPP would continue to pursue all available legal and constitutional options to challenge the election results. The party, he added, would present evidence before the appropriate forums and seek action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also criticised the conduct of the elections, saying the Election Commission had failed to address complaints raised after the first phase of polling. He maintained that the party reserved the right to demand re-elections in constituencies where it believed the electoral process had been compromised.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has urged party leaders to avoid any actions or statements that could create the impression of differences between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. According to sources, Nawaz Sharif told senior party members that Pakistan is currently facing significant economic, political and security challenges, making it essential to maintain national stability and institutional harmony. The development came after senior PML-N leaders reportedly conveyed their reservations to Nawaz Sharif regarding recent remarks made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi about the country’s system. Sources said Nawaz Sharif advised party leaders to exercise restraint and avoid public statements that could fuel unnecessary controversy or create the perception of tensions between key state institutions. He stressed that the country’s national interest requires close coordination and mutual understanding among institutions, particularly at a time when Pakistan is confronting multiple internal and external challenges. According to the sources, Nawaz Sharif emphasised that maintaining harmony between the civilian government and the military leadership is essential for political stability, effective governance and addressing the country’s pressing issues. He urged party leaders to remain focused on national priorities and act responsibly in their public engagements.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has reportedly directed party leaders to avoid reacting to recent remarks made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, stressing that national unity and institutional harmony are essential in the current political and security environment. According to sources, Nawaz Sharif described coordination between the federal government and state institutions as a critical national requirement at a time when Pakistan is facing significant economic, political, and security challenges. He reportedly advised party leaders to exercise restraint and refrain from making statements that could create the impression of differences between the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The development comes after Mohsin Naqvi’s recent remarks regarding the country’s political system reportedly prompted concerns within sections of the PML-N leadership. Senior party members are said to have conveyed their reservations to Nawaz Sharif during internal consultations. Sources said Nawaz Sharif instructed party leaders to ignore the statement and avoid escalating the matter publicly. He emphasised that the country’s national interest requires maintaining close cooperation and mutual understanding among all state institutions. According to the sources, the PML-N president believes that unnecessary public controversy over individual statements could undermine confidence at a time when the country is confronting multiple internal and external challenges. Nawaz Sharif reportedly maintained that preserving institutional harmony is essential for political stability, effective governance, and addressing the country’s economic and security priorities. He also urged party leaders to remain focused on governance and public service rather than engaging in political disputes that could create perceptions of divisions within the state structure.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, said it was true that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had instructed party leaders not to respond to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent statements. He added that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) strongly disagreed with both the content and tone of Naqvi’s remarks. Speaking on a television programme, Rana Sanaullah described Mohsin Naqvi’s comments as “meaningless” and lacking context. He said he had listened to Naqvi’s speech but could not understand what message he was trying to convey. “It appeared that he wanted to make a significant point but failed to explain it properly. Once he made the statement, his subsequent remarks contradicted one another. I simply could not understand what he was saying or why he was saying it,” Rana Sanaullah said. He stressed that whenever a person makes a public statement, it reflects their personal opinion, adding that it was up to Mohsin Naqvi to clarify the intent behind his remarks and take responsibility for their interpretation. Responding to Naqvi’s proposal regarding the creation of new administrative units or provinces, Rana Sanaullah said such matters could not be decided merely through public statements. “You cannot simply talk about new provinces and expect them to come into existence. The Constitution clearly defines the procedure for creating new provinces or administrative units,” he said. He maintained that the issue should first be debated in Parliament, while the final decision would rest with the leadership of the political parties. Rana Sanaullah recalled that during the PML-N government in Punjab from 2013 to 2018, the party had formally proposed the creation of new provinces. He said he had personally presented both the resolution and the proposal for establishing a commission to examine the matter. He explained that a national commission would have to be formed to review all aspects of creating new provinces, including financial resources, administrative arrangements and constitutional requirements. “The commission would also need to consult on representation in the National Assembly, provincial assemblies and the Senate. This is a highly complex issue that requires serious deliberation by experienced policymakers,” he said. Rana Sanaullah added that Pakistan could adopt smaller provinces, a stronger local government system, or even both, but such decisions should be made collectively by political parties after thorough consultation

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has paid glowing tribute to Pakistan’s police martyrs, describing their courage, unwavering commitment and ultimate sacrifices as a source of immense pride for the nation. In his message on Police Martyrs’ Day, the president praised law enforcement personnel for standing on the front lines against terrorism and organized crime, saying their bravery has played a vital role in safeguarding the country’s peace and stability. President Zardari said the sacrifices made by police officers in the fight against terrorists and their foreign-backed supporters would always be remembered. He noted that countless officers had laid down their lives while protecting citizens, defending the rule of law and ensuring national security. Highlighting the force’s professional achievements, the president said police departments across Pakistan had successfully disrupted terrorist plots and dismantled criminal networks through intelligence-based operations, dedication and professional expertise. He added that their services continue to strengthen public confidence in the country’s security institutions. The president reserved special praise for the police forces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, acknowledging their exceptional courage in confronting terrorism under extremely challenging conditions. He said officers in both provinces have consistently demonstrated resilience and extraordinary commitment despite facing significant risks. President Zardari also expressed solidarity with the families of fallen police personnel, saying the nation salutes their patience, perseverance and strength. He stressed that supporting the families of police martyrs is a shared responsibility of both the state and society, adding that their welfare and well-being must remain a national priority. Emphasizing the need for stronger law enforcement institutions, the president said the government would continue efforts to modernize the police through improved training, advanced technology and better operational resources. He noted that equipping officers with modern tools and professional skills is essential for effectively responding to evolving security challenges. The message comes as Pakistan continues to face security threats in several regions, where police personnel remain actively engaged in counterterrorism operations alongside other security agencies. The president said the bravery and sacrifices of police officers serve as a lasting reminder of their dedication to protecting the nation. Police Martyrs’ Day is observed across Pakistan each year to honor officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and to recognize the invaluable contributions of law enforcement personnel in maintaining peace, public safety and the rule of law.