Iftikhar Gilani Elected AJK Prime Minister
The election took place during a session of the AJK Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad. The assembly has 53 seats, although its current strength stands at 46 because elections to seven constituencies in Poonch and Sudhnoti districts have yet to be held. The PML-N holds 32 members, including allied support, while the PPP has 14 lawmakers.
The result formally places the PML-N in charge of the government formation process in the region. Gilani’s nomination came after consultations among senior party leaders, with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif deciding on his candidacy following discussions involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior AJK leadership.
A Political Career Built Over More Than a Decade
Gilani is a barrister and has been involved in AJK politics since 2011, when he was first elected to the Legislative Assembly from Muzaffarabad. He retained his seat in the 2016 elections and later served as education minister during the previous PML-N government in AJK.
More recently, he secured the technocrat and professional seat in the new assembly after receiving 26 votes against PPP candidate Sahibzada Zulfiqar Ali.
His selection followed an earlier phase of uncertainty within the PML-N, including reservations from some senior party figures over the choice of candidate. The eventual vote, however, produced a clear victory for Gilani.
Iftikhar Gilani Outlines Reform Agenda
In his maiden address as prime minister, Gilani thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for their support.
He said his administration would focus on merit-based governance and promised reforms aimed at improving recruitment, public services and the economy.
One of his key proposals is the introduction of a third-party recruitment mechanism similar to the National Testing Service. He said government employment cannot be provided to everyone and stressed the need for a more transparent and merit-based system.
Gilani also outlined plans to strengthen the health and education sectors and establish a Citizen Portal through which residents would be able to register complaints and seek government assistance.
Kashmir Issue and Pakistan Ties
The new AJK premier emphasized the political and constitutional dimensions of the Kashmir dispute, saying the issue concerns the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination under relevant United Nations resolutions.
He also condemned India’s August 5, 2019 actions in occupied Kashmir and reiterated the importance of the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir.
Gilani said Pakistan and Kashmir are closely connected and credited the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces with contributing to security and stability in the region.
Digital Economy Seen as Key Priority
A major theme of Gilani’s address was the modernization of Azad Kashmir’s economy through technology.
He acknowledged the region’s connectivity challenges but said the government would pursue gradual improvements while moving toward a digital economy.
The new prime minister said modern technology, improved public services and institutional reforms would form part of his broader vision for a more developed and digitally connected Azad Kashmir.
With the government now in place, attention will turn to how effectively the new administration translates these commitments into practical reforms and responds to the region’s economic, infrastructure and governance challenges.See More on Pulse Pakistan
