PML-N Accelerates Government Formation Process in Azad Kashmir

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has formally begun consultations for government formation in Azad Kashmir, party sources said. Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to interview candidates for women’s reserved seats today, with senior party officials led by Shah Ghulam Qadir also expected to join the interview panel. The names of Sehrish Qamar, Nisarah Abbasi, Maryam Kashmiri, Maria Iqbal Tarana and Nasira Khan are reportedly under consideration, while the name of the mother of Shoaib Abid from Dadyal is also among the candidates.

Sources said the final candidates for the reserved seats would be decided by the PML-N’s top leadership. The election schedule for the reserved seats is expected to be issued on August 17, while the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly may also be summoned for the elections. Polling for the women’s reserved seats is expected to take place on August 18.

The PML-N has emerged as the largest party in the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly with 25 general seats. Following the allocation of reserved seats, its strength in the assembly is expected to rise to 31. The outcome of the reserved-seat elections is expected to further clarify the government formation process, as the PML-N leadership has accelerated consultations to establish the new government in Azad Kashmir.