LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has nominated Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi Khan as the party’s candidate for president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Nawaz Sharif had directed Dr Najeeb Naqi to submit his nomination papers for the presidential election. She also congratulated him on the nomination on behalf of the party leadership.
PML-N Approves Najeeb Naqi’s Candidacy
According to the PML-N, the party leadership approved Dr Najeeb Naqi’s name after consultations.
The party said the nomination reflects its decision to field him for the vacant presidential office.
Dr Najeeb Naqi belongs to Palandri in Sudhanoti district of AJK’s Poonch Division. He has previously served as a minister in the AJK government and held several portfolios.
He has also represented the Sudhanoti-Poonch constituency in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
AJK Presidential Election Set for September 24
The AJK Election Commission has scheduled the presidential election for September 24, 2026.
Candidates will submit their nomination papers on September 19. The Election Commission will scrutinize the papers on the same day.
Candidates can withdraw their nominations until September 23. Polling will take place at the AJK Legislative Assembly Secretariat from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 24. The votes will then be counted and the result announced.
The presidential office has remained vacant since January following the death of Barrister Sultan Mahmood. The AJK Assembly speaker has served as acting president during the interim period.
Dr Najeeb Naqi’s Political Background
Dr Najeeb Naqi has held several government portfolios in AJK, including health and other key areas, according to reports.
His nomination places him at the centre of the upcoming presidential election.
The election will be held by the AJK Legislative Assembly under the constitutional process announced by the Election Commission.
