Pakistan, Sept. 24 -- Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi has been elected president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The PML-N nominee secured 32 votes during Thursday's presidential election. His victory fills the constitutional office that remained vacant for nearly eight months.

Naqi defeated Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Chaudhry Latif Akbar in the election. Akbar received 13 votes during the voting process at the AJK Legislative Assembly. A candidate needed at least 27 votes to secure the presidency.

Voting took place at the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad between 10am and 1pm. Officials began counting the votes after polling ended. Naqi will serve as AJK president for a five-year constitutional term.

The presidency became vacant in Januar...