PML-N's Dr Najeeb Naqi elected as AJK president

MUZAFFARABAD: Dr Najeeb Naqi of the ruling PML-N was elected as the president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Dr Naqi secured 32 votes in the election held at the AJK Legislative Assembly’s Secretariat, while PPP’s Chaudhry Latif Akbar secured 13 votes. Polling began at 11am and concluded at 1pm. Under the AJK Consti­tution, the president is elected by the members of the Legislative Asse­mbly by a majority of the total membership. The office of the AJK president has remained vacant since January this year following the death of Barrister Sultan Mahmood. Previously, then-Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar was serving as the acting president. The role was then assumed by incumbent Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq after being elected speaker on August 25. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Dr Naqi on the victory and conveyed his best wishes, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). “Dr Najeeb Naqi’s election reflects the confidence of the people of AJK,” PM Shehbaz was quoted as saying. The premier, in his message to Dr Naqi, expressed hope that he would fulfil his responsibilities effectively and play a constructive role in the development, prosperity and welfare of the people of AJK. PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that the federal government will extend its full cooperation to AJK, the statement added.

More to follow.