ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs Senator Rana Sanaullah has confirmed that the decision to appoint Barrister Iftikhar Gilani as the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was taken by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and the party leadership.
Speaking during a private television programme, Sanaullah acknowledged that the selection process had been difficult for the party’s top brass, but the final verdict went in favour of Iftikhar Gilani. He stressed that no party member had been treated unfairly in the process.
Leadership Decision and Party Unity
Sanaullah said the move was not made in isolation but reflected the collective will of the PML-N leadership, with Nawaz Sharif playing the decisive role. He reiterated that the party remains united despite the tough choice.
He also addressed concerns about senior party figures, stating that Shah Ghulam Qadir, the party president, would remain with the PML-N at all costs. Sanaullah added that both Shah Ghulam Qadir and Raja Farooq Haider would be included in the new team, signalling efforts to maintain internal harmony.
Gilani’s Election as 17th AJK Premier
Iftikhar Gilani was elected as the 17th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir after securing 30 votes in the legislative assembly. His rival, Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Sardar Mukhtar Khan, received 14 votes.
Gilani first entered the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 2011. He has previously served as the AJK education minister and was elected to the assembly this time on a technocrat seat.
Key Takeaways
- Nawaz Sharif and PML-N leadership made the final decision to appoint Iftikhar Gilani as AJK prime minister.
- Rana Sanaullah said the decision was difficult but no one was treated unfairly.
- Shah Ghulam Qadir and Raja Farooq Haider will be part of the new team.
- Gilani won the election with 30 votes against PPP candidate Sardar Mukhtar Khan’s 14.
