The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has finalised Barrister Iftikhar Gilani as its candidate for prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), following consultations at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s residence.
The election for AJK prime minister has been delayed by a day and is now scheduled to take place on August 28, according to the revised schedule.
Gilani was elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly on a technocrat seat, a category reserved for members selected on the basis of professional or specialised expertise rather than through a general constituency.
According to information, the decision on his nomination was taken during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, which was chaired by Shehbaz Sharif.
PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir, former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider and AJK Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq took part in the consultations.
Senator Rana Sanaullah and Khawaja Saad Rafique also attended the meeting, along with AJK Assembly Deputy Speaker Ahmed Raza Qadri and Gilani himself.
The participants discussed the formation of the new government in AJK and the party’s parliamentary strategy, according to the details of the meeting.
They also held consultations on the proposed cabinet and the priorities of the incoming administration, as well as measures concerning governance and the functioning of government institutions in the territory.
The meeting was held as the PML-N prepared for the formation of the new administration ahead of the prime ministerial election in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
With Gilani’s name finalised, the party is expected to proceed with the formation of the government after the assembly votes for the new prime minister on August 28.
