PML-N's Iftikhar Gilani elected 17th AJK prime minister

MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Iftikhar Gilani was elected the 17th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Friday, securing 30 votes in the legislative assembly.

Gilani defeated Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Sardar Mukhtar Khan, who received 14 votes.

The PML-N leader was first elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly in 2011. He has also served as AJK education minister.

He was elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly on the reserved seat for technocrats.

A day earlier, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif nominated Barrister Gilani as the party’s candidate for the office of AJK premiership.

The AJK Legislative Assembly has 53 seats, but its current strength stands at 46 as elections to seven seats in Poonch and Sudhnoti districts are yet to be held.

The PML-N has the support of 32 members in the AJK Legislative Assembly, including its ally, the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Dast-o-Bazu (JK ADB). The PPP has 14 members.

PM Shehbaz felicitates Gilani on election as AJK premier

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Barrister Gilani on his election as the AJK PM.

In a statement, the prime minister said the PML-N’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 Gillani would play an active role in the development of AJK and work for the welfare and prosperity of its people.

The premier 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.

PM Shehbaz termed the continuation of the democratic process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir a welcome development.