MUZAFFARABAD, 24 September, 2026 (Nosheen): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi was sworn in as the president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Thursday, hours after being elected to the constitutional office. AJK Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram administered the oath to Dr Najeeb Naqi at a ceremony held at the President’s House in Muzaffarabad. Dr Najeeb Naqi was elected the 23rd president of AJK after securing 32 votes in the presidential election held earlier in the day at the AJK Legislative Assembly, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Chaudhry Latif Akbar received 13 votes and one assembly member remained absent. The election was held to fill the office that had remained vacant since January following the death of former AJK president Barrister Sultan Mahmood. Polling was conducted at the AJK Legislative Assembly Secretariat from 10am to 1pm, followed by counting and announcement of the result. Under the AJK Constitution, the president is elected by members of the Legislative Assembly by a majority of the total membership. Dr Najeeb Naqi, who belongs to Sudhnoti district, has previously served as AJK health minister and also held the portfolios of education and information technology. Following his election, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Dr Najeeb Naqi and expressed the hope that he would effectively discharge his constitutional responsibilities and contribute to the development and welfare of the people of AJK.