Masood Azhar Associate Pir Mazhar Contests PoK Elections On PML N Ticket

The political landscape of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has witnessed a significant and controversial development as Pir Mazhar, a known close associate of Jaish e Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, has entered the electoral arena. Pir Mazhar, who has a long history associated with militant activities, has been fielded as a candidate by the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML N), the party led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. This move is seen as a strategic attempt by the PML N to consolidate its position in the region by appealing to radical elements and securing a firm grip on the legislative assembly.

The Strategic Candidacy of Pir Mazhar

Pir Mazhar has been nominated to contest for one of the 12 seats specifically reserved for Kashmiris in the PoK elections. The decision to grant a ticket to a person with such a background has raised eyebrows, yet for the PML N, it appears to be a calculated political maneuver. By fielding Mazhar, Nawaz Sharif's party aims to attract the support of hardline and radicalized voters who hold influence in certain pockets of the territory. The Neelum Valley, in particular, is a region where Pir Mazhar is said to command a significant following, making him a crucial asset for the party's electoral ambitions. According to reports from the Dawn newspaper, a total of 14 candidates are in the fray for these 12 reserved seats. The primary contest is unfolding between the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the PML N, especially since Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) and several local political groups have chosen to boycott the elections.

Who is Pir Mazhar? A Background Check

Pir Mazhar, whose full name is Pir Mazhar Saeed Shah, is a well known figure in the Neelum Valley area of PoK, where he's often referred to as Abdul Shah Mazhar. His history is deeply rooted in the militant movements of the region. During the 1980s, when Afghanistan was engulfed in a rebellion against the Soviet Union, Pir Mazhar joined the ranks of the Taliban fighters. It was during this period that he received extensive training in combat and insurgency. Following the conclusion of the conflict in Afghanistan, Mazhar transitioned into the ranks of Jaish e Mohammed, a group led by Masood Azhar. His rise within the organization was rapid, and according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, he was appointed as the head of the Karachi unit of Jaish e Mohammed in 2003. Throughout his tenure in the organization, he was regarded as the right hand man of Masood Azhar, highlighting his high level of influence and trust within the militant hierarchy.

The Transition from Militancy to Politics

Pir Mazhar's journey into formal politics began relatively recently in 2021. He initially entered the political sphere with the support of Imran Khan's PTI and was successfully elected as a member of the legislative assembly. His political ascent was so swift that he even served as a minister in the PoK government under the PTI administration. However, in a significant shift of allegiance, Pir Mazhar has now joined Nawaz Sharif's PML N. This transition is particularly noteworthy given the current political climate in PoK. The PML N currently holds 25 seats in the assembly but requires a total of 27 seats to form a government and achieve a majority. This means the party is just 2 seats short of the magic number. The 12 reserved seats, Because of this, hold the key to power, and the PML N is banking on candidates like Pir Mazhar to bridge this gap. His strong influence in the Neelum Valley is expected to play a decisive role in helping the party secure the necessary numbers to take control of the PoK administration.