MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Barrister Iftikhar Gilani has taken oath as the 17th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), following his election by the AJK Legislative Assembly.
Gilani took the oath of office at a ceremony held at the AJK Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad on Friday, August 28, 2026. He later delivered his first address to the assembly as prime minister.
The newly elected premier secured 30 votes in the assembly, defeating Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Sardar Mukhtar Khan, who received 14 votes.
Gilani first entered the AJK Legislative Assembly in 2011 and previously served as the region’s education minister. He was elected to the assembly on a reserved seat for technocrats.
Gilani Reaffirms Kashmir’s Right to Self-Determination
Addressing lawmakers, Gilani said the Kashmir dispute was not simply a territorial issue but concerned the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
He criticised India’s measures introduced on August 5, 2019, arguing that legislation could not determine the status of Kashmir.
“Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir, and Kashmir is also incomplete without Pakistan,” Gilani said.
The AJK prime minister also expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Army and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying the armed forces had contributed to the security and peace of Kashmir.
Gilani thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for their support.
Gilani Promises Governance Reforms
Gilani said his administration would seek to introduce changes in AJK along the lines of initiatives undertaken by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
He announced plans for a third-party recruitment system, similar to the National Testing Service (NTS), to improve transparency in government hiring.
The new premier also acknowledged gaps in internet connectivity across parts of AJK and expressed confidence that the situation would improve.
He said his government would promote a digital economy and strengthen skills-based education to help young people develop employment-relevant capabilities.
Gilani also pledged reforms in the health and education sectors and announced plans for a digital citizen portal to enable residents to submit complaints and seek solutions to public-service issues.
Shehbaz Sharif Congratulates Gilani
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Iftikhar Gilani on his election as AJK prime minister.
In a statement, Shehbaz said the PML-N’s success in AJK reflected the leadership of party president Nawaz Sharif and the efforts of party workers.
He expressed confidence that Gilani would contribute to the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and work for the welfare and prosperity of its people.
The prime minister also reiterated that the federal government would continue providing possible support for AJK’s development, economic progress and improvement in living standards.
Shehbaz described the continuation of the democratic process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as a positive development.