MUZZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Bar Elections 2025-26 have ended, and the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), while winning most of the seats, has firmly put itself in a strong position in the race. The party had won in the Central Bar Muzaffarabad, Neelum Bar, and Hattian Bar associations, getting the President and General Secretary’s slot. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) managed to win the President’s seat in the Neelum Bar Association, today on February 10, 2025.
In the Central Bar Association Muzaffarabad, PML-N’s Anees Gilani emerged victorious as President, while Chaudhry Taufeeq secured the General Secretary position. To provide transparency, the vote-counting procedure was for the first time shown live on SMD screens, a decision that was warmly welcomed by all. Chairman SM Abrar and his staff oversaw the election and were commended for carrying out a transparent and equitable voting procedure.
In the Neelum Bar Association, the President’s seat was won by Basharat Mir of PTI, making it the only seat secured by the party in these elections. Meanwhile, PML-N’s Yousaf Mir claimed victory as General Secretary.
Over in the Jhelum Bar Association, PML-N’s Syed Shujaat Gilani achieved a decisive win, further strengthening the party’s hold in the region. Shahid Sheikh of the Liberation League also succeeded in obtaining a seat, which was a noteworthy accomplishment for his party.
With these outcomes, the PML-N has proven its supremacy, securing four of six important posts, including those of president and general secretary in three significant bar associations. This triumph strengthens the party’s position within the AJK legal community. With all parties trying to get representation in the local legal community, the elections were held in a very contested setting. Many people have commended the effective conclusion of the voting process under stringent transparency rules.
In the District Bar Association elections that were conducted in the AJK district of Mirpur yesterday, the United Panel secured a substantial majority. Mahmood Hussain Chaudhry, an advocate, was elected president, and Gul Bahar Chaudhry was selected as vice president. Six candidates from the United Panel won overall, and two seats, including the Secretary-General post, went to the Professional and Progressive Panel.
