Sehrish Qamar: A Legacy of Service, Loyalty and Leadership

Politics is not merely the pursuit of power or public office. It is a commitment to people—to understand their concerns, share their hardships, represent their voice and remain steadfast when circumstances are difficult. The true measure of a political worker is therefore not the office they hold, but their character, loyalty, perseverance and service.

By this measure, Sehrish Qamar stands out as a committed political worker and a credible voice for the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Her political, social and educational contributions, along with her sustained engagement with the community, deserve recognition.

Political loyalties are often tested by changing circumstances. While some choose to change course with the political tide, others remain firmly committed to their principles and party. Such individuals are the real organisational strength of a political party. Their contribution does not depend on receiving a ticket, winning an election or holding office.

Sehrish Qamar’s political journey reflects this spirit of continuity and commitment. She has remained connected with the people beyond election campaigns, engaging with workers, listening to community concerns and supporting her party’s political position at the grassroots level. I have personally witnessed her remaining accessible to her people and actively involved in their social and political affairs.

Her association with the Pakistan Muslim League (N) is rooted in a longstanding political tradition. As a former member of the Legislative Assembly, she possesses valuable parliamentary experience and an understanding of legislation, institutional affairs and the realities of representative politics. This experience, combined with her grassroots connection, gives her a distinctive political profile.

Her political journey is also part of a wider family legacy. Her father’s nearly four decades of association with the PML-N represent a remarkable record of political consistency. Despite changing governments and shifting political circumstances, that affiliation has remained intact. Such a legacy is not simply a family connection; it represents decades of relationships with party workers and the people of District Sudhnoti.

Sehrish Qamar has also remained active among Kashmiri voters living in Pakistan, recognising the important role they play in the electoral and political landscape of AJK. Her meetings with voters and workers and her campaigning for PML-N candidates demonstrate that her political engagement extends well beyond the pursuit of a particular office.

Women’s representation in AJK politics requires more than filling reserved seats. It requires capable women who can transform public concerns into an effective political voice. Issues of women’s rights, education, healthcare, employment, social protection and opportunities for young people require representatives with both political understanding and grassroots experience.

As a lawyer and a citizen of the State of AJK, I have personally observed Sehrish Qamar engaging with women, listening to their concerns and standing with them in their pursuit of justice and dignity. Her accessibility and understanding of grassroots issues have earned her respect among the people she interacts with.

For the PML-N leadership, the question before it is therefore not simply about selecting a name for a reserved seat. It is about recognising experience, loyalty, public service and political commitment.

If the party seeks a woman who combines parliamentary experience with grassroots engagement, political maturity with public accessibility, and personal commitment with a longstanding family association with the party, Sehrish Qamar deserves serious consideration for the women’s reserved seat in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Her nomination would represent more than recognition of an individual. It would also send an encouraging message to the countless workers and families who remain loyal to their political organisation through difficult times. Political parties are built not only by their leaders, but by generations of workers whose commitment sustains them.

District Sudhnoti has a political tradition shaped by such commitment. Sehrish Qamar represents a continuation of that tradition—one grounded in public engagement, political experience and loyalty to the PML-N.

Ultimately, political office is temporary; service, credibility and loyalty are enduring political capital. A worker who remains committed to the party and the people even without office demonstrates the essence of genuine political service.

Sehrish Qamar’s political record, parliamentary experience, public outreach and family’s longstanding association with the PML-N make her a strong, credible and deserving candidate for consideration.

The decision now rests with the PML-N leadership: whether it chooses to translate this record of service, loyalty and experience into a greater political role for Sehrish Qamar in the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.