Eight women enter direct electoral race in historic first for AJK

Eight women are directly contesting the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, marking the first time in the region’s electoral history that such a large number of female candidates have entered the general election race.

The women candidates are contesting from different constituencies on the tickets of political parties as well as independently.

They are in the field from constituencies covering Kotli, Sudhanoti, Muzaffarabad, Lachhrat and Jammu.

The LA-37 Jammu-4 constituency has also drawn attention as women candidates from both the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz are contesting the seat.

Political and social circles have welcomed the increased participation of women, describing it as a positive development for democratic politics in Azad Kashmir.

Observers said the direct involvement of women in electoral politics would strengthen the democratic process and encourage greater political inclusion.

Experts believe the participation of more women in general elections could pave the way for increased female representation in the Legislative Assembly and other decision-making institutions in the future.

They said women’s participation as direct candidates, rather than only through reserved seats, reflected a gradual change in the region’s political landscape and could encourage more women to enter mainstream politics.