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Iftikhar Gilani has emerged as a leading choice of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for the office of Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as the party moves to complete the formation of its government in the region.
Reports on Wednesday said the name of Barrister Iftikhar Gilani was finalised during consultations at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. The meeting was held as the PML-N prepared for the next stage of government formation in AJK, where the party has secured a clear majority in the Legislative Assembly.
Iftikhar Gilani Emerges as AJK Prime Minister Choice
The consultations were chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and focused on the formation of the new AJK government, parliamentary strategy and the proposed cabinet.
PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir, former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider, Senator Rana Sanaullah, Khawaja Saad Rafique, newly elected AJK Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq and Deputy Speaker Ahmad Raza Qadri were among those involved in the discussions. Gilani also attended the meeting.
The discussions reportedly covered the proposed cabinet, government priorities and measures aimed at improving governance and administrative performance in AJK.
Gilani Wins Technocrat Seat
The possible nomination comes shortly after Iftikhar Gilani won the technocrat seat in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
According to reports, the PML-N candidate secured 26 votes, defeating PPP candidate Zulfiqar Ali, who received 12 votes. The result formed part of the PML-N’s successful campaign for the reserved seats in the 53-member assembly.
The PML-N won six of the eight reserved seats, taking its total strength to 31 or 32 members depending on whether its allied support is counted. The party already held 25 directly elected seats and has the numbers required to form the government.
PML-N Consolidates Position in AJK/
The party’s success in the reserved-seat elections significantly strengthened its position in the AJK Assembly.
The PML-N secured three women’s seats, the technocrat seat, the overseas Kashmiris seat and the seat reserved for Ulema and Mashaikh. The PPP won the remaining two women’s reserved seats.
With the assembly numbers now firmly in its favour, the PML-N has moved towards completing the parliamentary process required to establish the new administration.
AJK Prime Minister Election Set for August 28
The election for the AJK prime minister is scheduled to take place on August 28, according to current reports.
The election will formally determine who takes charge of the new administration, following the completion of the assembly’s initial parliamentary proceedings.See More on Pulse Pakistan
The process is being closely watched because the incoming government will inherit responsibility for governance, development and public-service delivery across Azad Kashmir.
Shah Ghulam Qadir Also Considered
There is, however, an important development regarding the final nomination.
While reports published on August 26 said that Iftikhar Gilani’s name had been finalised, an Express News report published on August 27 said the PML-N had not yet reached a final decision, with both Gilani and Shah Ghulam Qadir still under consideration. The report said consultations had been adjourned for another day.
This means the situation should be treated as political nomination/party decision rather than a completed election until the AJK Assembly formally elects the prime minister.
The latest reports nevertheless indicate that Gilani remains a central contender, while the August 28 assembly vote will provide the final constitutional confirmation.
