MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The process to elect the new President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has entered its final phase following the death of former President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, as Lieutenant General (retired) Sher Afgun has emerged as a new candidate.
The office of the President, which fell vacant due to the death of Barrister Sultan, has been functioning on an acting basis for the past two weeks. Under the Constitution, the presidential election must be held within thirty days of the vacancy.
Sources said that the ruling political parties in AJK, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have so far failed to reach a consensus on a joint candidate for the Presidency.
To avoid political deadlock and potential controversy, Lieutenant General (retired) Sher Afgun is emerging as a consensus candidate for the remainder of the term. Political circles believe that his non-political background may help ensure a smooth and uncontested election process.
According to sources, the official schedule for the presidential election is expected to be announced within the next two to three days, and the election will be held within the stipulated period.
Lieutenant General (R) Sher Afgun, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), has served as Colonel Commandant of Azad Kashmir Regiment. During his service, he also served as Inspector General Training & Evaluation (IG T&E), Commander 31 Corps, and Inspector General Frontier Corps Balochistan.
