PML‑N adviser predicts two‑thirds majority in Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections and pledges talks with JAAC.

Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the Pakistani prime minister, told a rally in Bagh on Saturday that the Pakistan Muslim League‑Nash will lead the next Azad Jammu and Kashmir government with a two‑thirds majority. He urged voters in Bagh to turn out for the third phase of the region’s elections. Sanaullah said the PML‑N has secured 24 seats in the first two phases and needs six more to reach the required majority. He expects the party to win four seats in the August 10 polling in Bagh and Haveli, and five more when the remaining constituencies of Poonch Division are held later. The third phase was originally scheduled to cover all 11 constituencies of Poonch Division but has been revised to include only Bagh and Haveli on August 10; the rest will vote in subsequent elections. Sanaullah pledged that a PML‑N government would prioritize development projects. He also promised to bring representatives of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee, which has been protesting for the abolition of 12 seats reserved for refugees from Indian‑held Kashmir, to the new government, saying that resolving the issue will be a top priority. He described 99 per cent of JAAC protestors as “our brothers” and called the remaining protestors “divisive elements.” Sanaullah alleged that India is attempting to create misunderstandings between Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and said those efforts would fail.