Summary Rana Sanaullah says PML-N secured nine seats in first-phase Azad Kashmir local elections, describing the polling as peaceful and transparent.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four seats in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir local government elections.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Rana Sanaullah congratulated all successful candidates and expressed hope that the newly elected representatives would work effectively to address public issues.
He said media organisations continuously covered polling activities and voter turnout throughout election day, adding that polling hours were extended by one hour to allow more voters to cast their ballots.
According to him, the Election Commission, civil administration, police and other institutions ensured transparent and peaceful polling across Mirpur Division, making the overall electoral process organised and successful.
Commenting on the fatal shooting incident on election day, Rana Sanaullah said it stemmed from a longstanding family dispute, noting that members of the same family belonged to different political parties.
He recalled that senior PML-N leader Malik Ashiq had been killed in the same dispute around 10 days earlier, while the latest firing incident claimed one life and injured one to two others.
He added that apart from this incident, polling across Mirpur Division remained peaceful without any major law and order problems.
Rana Sanaullah said authorities took immediate action against a candidate in constituency LA-6 for allegedly violating the election code of conduct by creating disorder and attempting to burn ballot papers. He said the candidate was arrested, a case was registered and legal proceedings were underway, while several suspects involved in the firing incident had also been detained.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam welcomed the peaceful conduct of the first phase of the elections, saying the people of Azad Kashmir had actively exercised their democratic right.
He said the PML-N's success reflected the hard work of party workers and the public's confidence, adding that organisational reforms, unity within the party and effective teamwork over the past year had contributed to the result.
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Amir Muqam also praised the Election Commission, security agencies and civil administration, saying voters had expressed confidence in the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and the policies of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Rana Sanaullah said the party's victory was the outcome of a well-planned campaign, strong teamwork and an effective electoral strategy. He credited the parliamentary board and Nawaz Sharif's active participation in public rallies for strengthening the campaign.
He added that Nawaz Sharif had assured the people of Azad Kashmir that he would personally oversee development projects and public welfare initiatives in the region.
The adviser also said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's governance had earned the trust of the people of Azad Kashmir, who wished to see development and welfare projects similar to those implemented in Punjab.
Rana Sanaullah stressed that every political party must respect the public mandate, saying voters are the ultimate arbiters in a democratic system. He said political parties naturally present their policies and criticise opponents during election campaigns, but should accept the election outcome in a democratic spirit.
He added that the PML-N respected criticism from political opponents and that any matter requiring an inquiry would be handled according to the law by the relevant governments.
Responding to political criticism, Rana Sanaullah said the PML-N respected PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as the leader of a major democratic party and emphasised that political differences should remain within democratic norms.
He concluded by saying that democracy is based on the supremacy of the people's mandate and that all political parties should respect the verdict of voters, whether it leads to a single-party or coalition government, in accordance with constitutional principles.
