Summary
The new AJK government has formally taken shape after Barrister Iftikhar Gilani of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was sworn in as the 17th Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The oath-taking ceremony was held in Muzaffarabad, marking the completion of the region’s post-election political transition. Gilani secured a clear majority vote inside the AJK Legislative Assembly, defeating his Pakistan Peoples Party rival.
Background
Azad Kashmir went to the polls earlier this year to elect a new Legislative Assembly, and the process stretched across several weeks due to re-polling in a handful of constituencies. Once the results were finalised, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz emerged as the single largest party in the house.
Before this transition, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore of the Pakistan Peoples Party had been heading the outgoing AJK government. With the new assembly in place, lawmakers were required to elect a fresh Prime Minister, setting the stage for the recent contest between the PML-N and PPP camps.
Details of the New AJK Government Formation
The AJK Legislative Assembly session was chaired by Acting President Chaudhry Tariq Farooq for the election of the new premier. Barrister Iftikhar Gilani, who entered the house on a reserved technocrat seat, contested against PPP’s Sardar Mukhtar Khan for the top office.
Vote Count and Oath Ceremony
Gilani secured 30 votes in the assembly compared to 14 votes for his opponent, giving him a comfortable margin to form the new AJK government. Acting President Farooq administered the oath of office to Gilani during a televised ceremony at the Legislative Assembly building. Following the vote, PPP’s Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin was named Leader of the Opposition.
Quotes From Officials
In his first address as premier, Gilani said his administration would prioritise jobs, digital access, and reforms in health and education across Azad Kashmir. He also expressed appreciation for the role of the Pakistan Army and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in maintaining security in the region.
Federal Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Gilani on his election, describing it as a moment of renewed cooperation between Islamabad and Muzaffarabad. PML-N leadership, including Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, also welcomed the formation of the new AJK government.
Impact on the Region
The formation of the new AJK government is significant for governance in the territory, since a stable administration is expected to move forward on pending development and welfare projects. Gilani has already signalled plans for a digital citizen portal, a transparent recruitment system, and improved internet access in remote valleys.
Politically, the change also affects the balance of power between Islamabad and Muzaffarabad, given the close working relationship between PML-N leaders in both capitals. Analysts note that a PML-N-led AJK government may see faster coordination with the federal government on funding and infrastructure matters.
Conclusion
With Iftikhar Gilani now leading the new AJK government, attention will shift to how quickly his cabinet is finalised and how his promised reforms are implemented. The coming months will show whether the new administration can address the region’s persistent governance and economic challenges, while managing relations with an assertive opposition in the assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which party government is in Azad Kashmir?
Following the recent general elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the largest party in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and formed the new AJK government. The party’s candidate, Barrister Iftikhar Gilani, was elected Prime Minister after securing a clear majority of votes inside the house, while the Pakistan Peoples Party took on the role of the main opposition.
Which party government is in Kashmir?
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which is administered by Pakistan, the current government is led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz under Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani. It is important to note that Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir operates under a separate political and constitutional framework, with its own elected assembly and governance structure that is not connected to the AJK government described here.
Who is the new PM of Azad Kashmir?
Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani of the PML-N is the new Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly on a reserved technocrat seat and later won the vote for premiership by defeating the Pakistan Peoples Party’s candidate, Sardar Mukhtar Khan, inside the assembly.
How was the new AJK government formed?
The new AJK government was formed after general elections to the Legislative Assembly were completed and lawmakers took their oaths. Once the house was constituted, members voted to elect a Prime Minister, a process won decisively by PML-N’s Iftikhar Gilani, who then appointed the Acting President to administer his oath and began forming his cabinet.
