MUZAFFARABAD — Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has officially nominated Dr. Muhammad Najeeb Naqi as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate for the upcoming presidential election in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The decision, finalized after consultations with party leadership in Islamabad, signals a push to consolidate the party’s influence within the AJK legislative assembly. Dr. Naqi, a seasoned political figure with a long-standing history in the region’s governance, is expected to file his nomination papers by the close of business Tuesday.
Dr. Naqi is no stranger to the halls of power in Muzaffarabad. He previously served as the AJK Minister for Health, a tenure marked by significant upgrades to district-level medical infrastructure. His nomination is viewed by political observers as a strategic move to balance regional representation while rewarding a loyalist who remained steadfast during the party’s years in the opposition.
The nomination comes at a sensitive time for AJK politics. With the current legislative assembly navigating a complex coalition environment, the presidential vote serves as a litmus test for the ruling alliance’s unity. While the PML-N holds a significant stake, securing a victory requires careful negotiation with coalition partners who have, at times, diverged on regional policy and development funding.
Critics within the opposition are already questioning the selection process, citing a lack of internal consensus. However, PML-N insiders maintain that the party’s central leadership prioritized experience and administrative stability over internal dissent.
“Nawaz Sharif’s choice is clear: he wants someone who can manage the office without unnecessary friction,” said a senior party aide, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Dr. Naqi has the administrative background to keep the presidency focused on its constitutional mandate rather than political maneuvering.”
The election for the AJK presidency is set to take place later this week. For Dr. Naqi, the challenge will be to transition from a regional ministerial role to the symbolic yet influential head of state—a position that carries significant weight in shaping the political climate of the territory.
Whether this nomination will stabilize the coalition or invite further scrutiny remains the primary question for the assembly floor. For now, the PML-N is banking on its parliamentary strength to see the move through.
