ON July 21 we observed a transfer of power from one elected government to another in AJK. The PML- N has secured a landslide victory. The Muslim Conference, PTI and even the PPP have been outnumbered by the PML-N in just one stroke. The PTI was to get the Mirpur city seat, where it has a strong candidate, Barrister Sultan, who had served AJK as prime minister. However he has been defeated by Muhammad Saeed. This was a monumental victory for Muhammad Saeed. On this seat it was expected that the PTI would at least show its nominal existance in AJK. However, this proved wrong.

Another victory for the PML- N was in Bagh district where anchor-turned-politician Mushtaq Minhas won an outstanding victory over Sardar Qamaruzzaman. Minhas seems to be a very strong candidate for AJK prime ministership. On the same lines the victories by Farooq Haider, Tariq Farooq and Chahdhry Rukhsar Ahmed have also been staggering.

Their victories have proved the PML-N has strong roots in Kashmir.

It is expected that these elected representatives would perform in consonance of the wishes of the people.

Noman Mushtaq

Mirpur

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2016