MUZAFFARABAD: Dr Najeeb Naqi of the ruling PML-N was sworin in as the president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Thursday, hours after his election to the office.

AJK Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram administered the oath to Dr Naqi at a ceremony held at the President’s House in Muzaffarabad.

He had secured 32 votes in the election held at the AJK Legislative Assembly’s Secretariat earlier in the day, 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 53 members.

Since elections to seven seats of Poonch and Sudhnoti districts have not been held due to the law and order situation, the current strength of the assembly is 46.

Forty-five of the 46 lawmakers cast their votes to elect the president on Thursday, with one PPP lawmaker being absent.

After the results were announced, people who had come from Poonch and other areas gathered outside the assembly and raised slogans.

In his brief address to the gathering, Dr Naqi said Poonch — the AJK division from where he hails — was facing a difficult situation and expressed hope that “with full determination and effort”, the area would overcome its difficulties and return to the path of development.

He thanked the people for coming from far-off places despite difficulties on the way and said he would make every effort to meet the expectations of the people of Azad Kashmir.

“I will do my best to ensure that the new government of Azad Kashmir lives up to the expectations of its people,” he said, thanking his audience once again and saying that he would continue to meet them in the future.

Dr Naqi has previously served as AJK health minister. He has also held the portfolios of education and information technology. Dr Naqi was set to contest the 2026 polls. However, elections in seven constituencies of Poonch division, including his own, were put on hold due to the law and order situation in the region.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Dr Naqi on his victory and conveyed his best wishes, according to a statement issued by his office.

“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 also reaffirmed that the federal government will extend its full cooperation to AJK, the statement added.

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 Aug 25.

‘Breeze of fresh air’

Following the announcement of the results at the legislative assembly session on Thursday, Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin was the first to take the floor and congratulate Dr Naqi.

However, he reiterated the PPP’s allegations that the recent elections held in AJK had been rigged and regretted that the new government was taking decisions based on “political vengeance”.

Former prime minister Raja Farooq Haider then took the floor and dismissed Yasin’s allegations. Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq suggested the allegations should be left for another occasion, saying that the day’s speeches should focus on the presidential election. He offered the floor to any other opposition lawmaker wishing to speak.

However, when no one else showed interest, he gave the floor to Leader of the House and Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani.

Gillani congratulated Dr Naqi, his party’s central leadership and the people of Poonch on his election. Describing Naqi as a “noble person,” he said his election had sent a “breeze of fresh air” to Poonch division.

Gillani called for strengthening the legislature and said the government was committed to working through the assembly.

He also denied allegations that any package approved by the previous PPP government was shelved or overturned. He said the cabinet only had decided to review the education package after objections were raised over some of its provisions.

He assured the opposition that its due share and role would never be undermined.

Before adjourning the session, Speaker Farooq also greeted Dr Naqi and expressed hope that with him in office, AJK would see an improved governance system.