Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has nominated senior party leader Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi Khan for the office of President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, marking an important political development ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
According to the party announcement, Nawaz Sharif has also directed Dr Najeeb Naqi to submit his nomination papers for the presidential contest.
The PML-N leadership congratulated Dr Najeeb Naqi on his nomination and expressed its support for his candidacy for the constitutional office.
The decision comes as political activity in Azad Jammu and Kashmir intensifies ahead of the election of a new president. Dr Najeeb Naqi's name had been among those under discussion within political circles for the position.
AJK Presidential Election Scheduled for September 24
The election for the next President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to take place on September 24, 2026.
Under the announced election schedule, candidates will be able to submit their nomination papers on September 19, followed by scrutiny of the papers. The deadline for withdrawal of candidature is September 23.
Voting is expected to take place at the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Secretariat, where members of the electoral college will cast their votes to elect the new president.
The formal nomination of Dr Najeeb Naqi by the PML-N leadership is therefore expected to bring greater clarity to the party's strategy for the presidential election.
Who Is Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi?
Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi is an experienced politician from Azad Jammu and Kashmir who has previously served as a member of the AJK Legislative Assembly and held important ministerial portfolios.
During the previous PML-N government in Azad Kashmir, he served in senior positions including Minister for Finance and Minister for Health.
Dr Najeeb Naqi has also presented the Azad Jammu and Kashmir annual budget in the Legislative Assembly during his tenure as finance minister.
He is associated politically with the Sudhnoti region and has remained active in AJK politics for several years.
Political Activity Intensifies Ahead of Presidential Vote
Political consultations have accelerated following the announcement of the presidential election schedule, with different names being discussed for the constitutional position.
The PML-N's decision to nominate Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi now sets the stage for the next phase of the electoral process, including the submission and scrutiny of nomination papers.
Attention will now turn to the final list of candidates and the voting process scheduled for September 24, when members of the electoral college will choose the next President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.