Muhammad Aman Ullah | August 28, 2026
The Ture Post (Web News): A major political development has taken place in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) nominee Barrister Iftikhar Gilani has been elected as the 17th Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir.
Gilani secured 30 votes in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, defeating Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Sardar Mukhtar Khan, who received 14 votes.
The election was held during a session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, where lawmakers voted to choose the new leader of the house.
Following the completion of the voting process, Barrister Iftikhar Gilani was declared the successful candidate.
Iftikhar Gilani Secures 30 Votes
During the election, Barrister Iftikhar Gilani received the support of 30 members of the Legislative Assembly.
His rival, PPP candidate Sardar Mukhtar Khan, secured 14 votes.
The significant difference between the two candidates gave Gilani a clear victory and allowed him to take charge as the new Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir.
PML-N Holds Strong Position in Assembly
The PML-N currently has 32 members in the Legislative Assembly, although the electoral process for some seats has not yet been completed.
According to the available information, elections for seven seats are still pending.
The numerical strength of the PML-N played an important role in the formation of the government and the election of the new prime minister.
After the party leadership nominated Barrister Iftikhar Gilani for the top position, consultations continued among party members to secure support for his election.
Party Leadership Approves His Nomination
Barrister Iftikhar Gilani’s nomination was finalized during an important consultation meeting of the PML-N leadership.
The meeting discussed government formation in Azad Kashmir and the party’s future political strategy.
Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah, former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Shah Ghulam Qadir and former Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider were among the prominent leaders who participated in the consultations.
During the meeting, consensus emerged around Gilani’s name and he was formally nominated as the party’s candidate for prime minister.
Support From Speaker and Deputy Speaker
The consultation meeting was also attended by newly elected Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Raza Qadri, along with other senior PML-N figures.
Participants supported Gilani’s nomination and considered him a suitable candidate for the position of prime minister.
Following the internal consensus within the party, his nomination was finalized and he subsequently secured victory in the Legislative Assembly election.
Former Education Minister
Barrister Iftikhar Gilani has previously held important political and governmental responsibilities in Azad Kashmir.
He has served as the Education Minister of Azad Kashmir, where he was responsible for overseeing matters related to the education department.
His political career spans several years, and he has served as a member of the Legislative Assembly during different periods.
His political and governmental experience was considered an important factor by the PML-N leadership when selecting him for the top position.
First Elected to Assembly in 2011
Barrister Iftikhar Gilani was first elected to the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 2011.
Following his election, he became actively involved in state politics and participated in various political and governmental matters.
In the current Legislative Assembly, Gilani entered the house on a technocrat seat on a PML-N ticket.
His experience and position within the party helped him emerge as the PML-N’s candidate for prime minister.
PPP Candidate Receives 14 Votes
The Pakistan Peoples Party nominated Sardar Mukhtar Khan as its candidate for prime minister.
However, he received 14 votes and was unable to secure enough support to defeat Gilani.
The voting results highlighted the PML-N’s strong position within the Legislative Assembly and resulted in Gilani being formally declared the 17th Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir.
New Government Faces Major Challenges
Following the election of the new prime minister, the Azad Kashmir government faces several administrative, economic and public-service challenges.
Improving basic public services, creating employment opportunities, strengthening education and healthcare, and completing development projects are expected to be among the government’s key priorities.
The state’s financial resources, electricity-related issues, tourism development and infrastructure improvement will also remain important challenges for the new administration.
Political Stability Will Be Important
With Barrister Iftikhar Gilani taking office as prime minister, the PML-N has gained a major responsibility in Azad Kashmir’s political landscape.
The new government will need to maintain political coordination among its members while also establishing effective communication with opposition parties on parliamentary matters.
Political observers are expected to closely monitor how the new administration addresses public concerns, manages financial affairs and implements development projects.
Gilani Begins New Responsibility as 17th Prime Minister
Barrister Iftikhar Gilani now faces the major responsibility of leading the government of Azad Kashmir.
His previous political experience and service in government, including his tenure as education minister, could prove useful as he begins his new role.
As prime minister, he will be expected to address public expectations while working toward administrative improvements, economic development and political stability across Azad Kashmir.
With the election process now complete, attention has shifted toward the new government’s policies and priorities.
Political circles are expecting the new leadership to focus on public issues, development projects, administrative reforms and maintaining stability in the state.
