AJK elections 2026: senior Muslim Conference leader joins PML-N, backs candidate in Kotli constituency

As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, a major development emerged from Kotli’s Sehnsa constituency, where senior Muslim Conference leader and legislative assembly candidate Raja Iftikhar joined Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) along with thousands of supporters, friends, and family members

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jul, 2026) As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, a major development emerged from Kotli’s Sehnsa constituency, where senior Muslim Conference leader and legislative assembly candidate Raja Iftikhar joined Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) along with thousands of supporters, friends, and family members.

The move comes as political parties continue to strengthen their positions before the upcoming elections. Raja Iftikhar also declared his full support for PML-N candidate Raja Asif in the Sehnsa constituency, adding a new dimension to the electoral contest.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam welcomed Raja Iftikhar and his associates into PML-N and said all new members would be given respect and an active role within the party. He stated that PML-N remains committed to strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and Azad Kashmir and aims to advance development initiatives in the region under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Addressing party workers, Amir Muqam called for unity and urged supporters to work collectively for the success of party candidates. He said only one person receives a party ticket in each constituency, and all workers should stand behind the chosen candidate. He also stressed the importance of cooperation for peace, stability, and development in Azad Kashmir.

The minister said the government is working on public welfare measures and development projects, including progress on the proposed Mansehra–Muzaffarabad Motorway. He added that ensuring access to affordable electricity, flour, and other basic services remains a government responsibility.

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Amir Muqam reiterated that elections in Azad Kashmir would be held according to the announced schedule. He also emphasized that Pakistan’s national interests would not be compromised and paid tribute to the services of the Pakistan Armed Forces. He called on overseas Kashmiris to continue presenting Pakistan and Kashmir’s perspective on international platforms.

Speaking on the occasion, Raja Iftikhar said PML-N had always been close to his political thinking and that he had decided to join the party after setting aside past political differences. He said he had chosen to support PML-N together with thousands of supporters and colleagues and pledged to strengthen the vision linking Azad Kashmir with Pakistan.

PML-N candidate Raja Asif described Raja Iftikhar’s entry into the party as an important political development. He said party leaders and candidates had accepted organizational decisions and would run a united election campaign. He added that the political mission of the late Raja Naseer would continue and that development, public service, and political stability would remain key priorities in the constituency.

Several other political figures also joined PML-N during the event, including former Legislative Assembly candidate Zulqarnain Khan from LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I (Kotla), Town Committee Sehnsa Chairman Raja Shakeel Zia, former District Council candidate Raja Sohail Nawaz, and former Presidential Adviser Raja Tariq.

PML-N leaders present at the gathering claimed that more political personalities from Kotli are expected to join the party in the coming weeks. Participants expressed confidence in the party leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting PML-N candidates in the 2026 AJK elections.