MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Dr Najeeb Naqi has emerged as the leading candidate for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the upcoming Azad Kashmir presidential election, according to sources.
Sources said the PML-N leadership has nearly finalized Dr Najeeb Naqi’s nomination, with an official announcement expected within the next day.
Consultations over the presidential election were held during an important PML-N meeting in Murree, attended by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah and other senior party leaders.
According to sources, the names of Chaudhry Saeed and Mushtaq Minhas were also considered for the presidential slot. However, Dr Najeeb Naqi’s name was given priority in view of the prevailing political situation in the Poonch Division.
The PML-N leadership has reportedly completed most of its consultations and is confident of securing victory due to the party’s clear numerical majority in the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has also stepped up political contacts regarding the presidential election. Faisal Mumtaz Rathore is among the names being considered by the PPP for the presidency.
The final decision and formal nomination by the PML-N are expected to be announced shortly.
