Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)’s Iftikhar Gilani was sworn in as the 17th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Friday after securing 30 votes against 14 for Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)’s Sardar Mukhtar Khan.
The newly elected prime minister took oath of his office at a ceremony at the AJK Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad before delivering his maiden address to the House.
In his address, Gilani said the Kashmir issue was not a dispute over a parcel of land, but rather that of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination under United Nations resolutions. Condemning India’s unilateral removal of Kashmir’s special constitutional status, he said mere legislation could not make Kashmir part of India.
“Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir, and Kashmir is also incomplete without Pakistan,” he said.
Thanking the Pakistan Army and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Gilani said Kashmiris were able to sleep peacefully because of the armed forces. He also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PMLN chief Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The new prime minister said his government would bring change to Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the same way Maryam Nawaz had “brought changes” in Punjab. He said his government would introduce a third-party recruitment system similar to the National Testing Service for recruitment to government jobs.
Referring to internet services in the region, he acknowledged they were lacking in some areas and expressed confidence that conditions would improve. He said his government would move toward a digital economy and work on skills-based education to equip young people with relevant skills.
He also pledged reforms in the health and education departments and announced plans to launch a digital citizen portal to address public complaints.
Gilani was elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly for the first time in 2011, and has served as the region’s education minister. He was elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly on the reserved seat for technocrats in 2026.
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In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Gilani on his election as the AJK PM. He said the PMLN’s victory in AJK was the result of the leadership of party president Nawaz Sharif and the dedicated 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. He also reaffirmed that the federal government would continue extending all possible support for the progress, prosperity and improvement of the quality of life of the people of AJK.
The prime minister dubbed the continuation of the democratic process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir a welcome development.