PML-N’s Iftikhar Gilani Takes Oath as 17th AJK Prime Minister

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Iftikhar Gilani has taken oath as the 17th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Gilani took the oath at a ceremony held at the AJK Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad on Friday. He later delivered his first speech as prime minister.

Gilani won 30 votes in the assembly, defeating Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Sardar Mukhtar Khan, who secured 14 votes.

The PML-N leader was first elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly in 2011 and has also served as AJK education minister. He was elected on a reserved seat for technocrats.

Addressing the assembly, Gilani said the Kashmir issue was not about land but about the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination under United Nations resolutions.

He criticised India’s measures of August 5, 2019, saying legislation could not make Kashmir part of India.

“Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir, and Kashmir is also incomplete without Pakistan,” Gilani said.

The new AJK prime minister also thanked the Pakistan Army and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He said the armed forces had helped provide security to the people of Kashmir.

Gilani also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

‘Vows changes like Punjab’

Gilani said his government would bring changes to AJK similar to those Maryam Nawaz had “brought changes” in Punjab.

He announced plans to introduce a third-party recruitment system similar to the National Testing Service (NTS) to ensure a transparent recruitment process.

Gilani acknowledged that internet services were still unavailable in some parts of AJK but expressed hope that the situation would improve.

He said his government would work towards a digital economy and focus on skills-based education to help young people develop useful skills.

The AJK prime minister also promised reforms in the health and education sectors. He announced plans to launch a digital citizen portal to address public complaints.

PM Shehbaz congratulates Gilani

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Barrister Gilani on becoming the AJK prime minister.

In a statement, PM Shehbaz said the PML-N’s victory in AJK reflected the leadership of party president Nawaz Sharif and the efforts of party workers.

He expressed confidence that Gilani would play an active role in the development of AJK and work for the welfare and prosperity of its people.

PM Shehbaz said the federal government would continue providing all possible support for the development of AJK and improving the quality of life of its people.

He also welcomed the continuation of the democratic process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.