In a significant political development ahead of the AJK political season, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Friday secured a notable defection as PTI-backed Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly member Begum Imtiaz Naseem joined the ruling party, calling it a “return to her home”.

The announcement came at a formal joining ceremony attended by senior PML-N leaders.

Begum Imtiaz Naseem, who had been elected on a PTI ticket and later associated with a forward bloc, formally parted ways with her previous political alignment and joined PML-N in the presence of senior party leaders, including Mushtaq Minhas, Raja Mujahid and Raja Riasat.

Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam welcomed her into the party fold and assured full respect, representation and political space.

He said Begum Imtiaz Naseem’s entry would strengthen the party’s outreach, adding that her services would benefit not only Bagh but the entire country.

He added that the PML-N would fully utilise the capabilities of new entrants. He further said that despite his parliamentary engagements, he attended the event and appreciated the presence of the media.

‘Returned to my political home’

Speaking on the occasion, Begum Imtiaz Naseem said she had returned to her political roots, recalling that her late husband Colonel (retd) Naseem had been among the founding figures of the PML-N.

She said her political alignment with the party had always remained intact at heart, adding that Mushtaq Minhas had guided her like a mentor since 2002. She also remarked that the mandate held by Minhas reflected her family’s political trust.

She said she would work for strengthening the PML-N in the wider interest of her constituency and its people. She pledged to campaign with the same dedication as if she herself were contesting elections.