The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is facing growing internal challenges in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after the announcement of party tickets for the 2026 elections triggered dissatisfaction in several constituencies, it was reported on Monday.
According to party sources, a number of senior leaders and workers have raised concerns over the distribution of tickets, creating a fresh test for the party leadership ahead of the election campaign.
In the Lachhrat constituency of Muzaffarabad, Murtaza Gilani expressed reservations about the party ticket selection process, arguing that workers who stood by the PML-N during difficult times were being overlooked. He announced that he would address the issue in a press conference.
Discontent has also emerged in Bagh, where the nomination of Mushtaq Minhas for the party ticket prompted objections from former minister Raja Yasin and Brigadier Muhammad Khan.
Similar concerns have been reported in the Khawara constituency, where former minister Raja Abdul Qayyum Khan and Raja Abrar have voiced reservations regarding the party leadership’s decisions.
In Kotli, dissatisfaction expressed by Malik Nawaz has created another challenge for the party.
Meanwhile, in Abbaspur, young political leader Osama Zahid has objected to the decision to finalise a ticket for former minister Yasin Gulshan.
Sources said Osama Zahid has formally expressed his displeasure over the process of allocating party tickets.
Party insiders indicated that workers and local leaders in several constituencies are unhappy with decisions taken by the central leadership.
The situation has raised concerns about the possibility of some disgruntled figures contesting the elections as independent candidates or joining rival political parties.
In response, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have assigned two federal ministers – Rana Sanaullah and Amir Muqam – the task of engaging with dissatisfied party members.
Sources said both federal ministers have begun holding meetings with the disgruntled leaders and workers aimed at resolving differences and preserving party unity.
The coming days are expected to determine whether the party leadership succeeds in persuading its furious leaders to remain within the fold.
However, senior PML-N leader Shah Ghulam Qadir played down the concerns, saying that disagreements are common in a big political party and expressing confidence that the issues would be resolved through consultation and dialogue.
