MUZAFFARABAD: Ch Yasir Sultan won in LA 3 , Mirpur 3 by bagging 20142. His close contestant, Ch Saeed of Pakistan Muslim League PMLN, lost the contest. He could get only 11608 votes.
Ch Yasir Sultan is son of AJK president Barristor , Sultan Mahmood. He was granted ticket by PTI as a part of a deal. PTI had struck a deal with Barrister Sultan Mahmood to set him a side from the race of AJK prime minister soon after general elections held in July this year. Barristor Sultan Mahmood, being a senior party leader and former prime minister was a strong candidate for the post of AJK prime minister. He had support of at least 8 elected member of legislative assembly (MLAs), but PTI decided to pick Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi for top slot of AJK. But keeping in view the possible reaction of Barristor Sultan Mahmood, PTI top leadership offered a lucrative package to him. The package included presidentship to Barristor Sultan Mahmood (done already ), ticket to his son Yasir Mahmood from his native constituency in by election (also done). The deal also carries another incentive for Barristor Sultan Mahmood who was assured by PTI that his son , if he wins by election from home constituency, will be made minister in Niazi’s cabinet. This is the last part yet to be implemented of the deal.
In the second contest , Ch Amir Yasin of Pakistan People Party (PPP) won from LA 12 , Kotli 5. Amir Yasin bagged 24335 votes. His close competitor, Shaukat Farid of PTI, got 18858 votes.
Ch Amir Yasin is son of Ch Yasin , a senior PPP leader and former senior minister. LA 12 Kotli is a native seat of Ch Yasin . He always won himself from this constituency.
PMLN was the only loser in AJK by-elections. Ch Saeed who was once a strong party candidate from Mirpur 3 fell flat in the contest. He last two times from this constituency . First, in last general elections from Barristor Sultan Mahmood and now in by elections from his son , Yasir Sultan.