Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Iftikhar Gillani has been elected the new prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), securing 30 votes in the Legislative Assembly.
Gillani defeated Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Sardar Mukhtar Ahmad Khan Abbasi, who received 14 votes during Friday’s voting.
A total of 44 votes were cast in the Assembly.
PML-N lawmaker Shah Ghulam Qadir was absent and did not take part in the voting.
Gillani Succeeds Chaudhry Abdul Qayyum Rathore
Gillani replaces PPP’s Chaudhry Abdul Qayyum Rathore, who became AJK prime minister in November 2025.
The election followed recent political developments that resulted in a change in the AJK government.
Gillani’s victory gives the PML-N control of the AJK government at a time when the region’s political situation remains unsettled.
Seven Assembly Seats Still Vacant
The political landscape in AJK remains fluid because seven Legislative Assembly seats in the Poonch and Sudhnoti districts have yet to be contested.
The vacant seats could therefore remain important as political parties seek to strengthen their positions in the Assembly.
PML-N and PPP Held Coalition Talks
Before the election, reports indicated that the PML-N had contacted the PPP through back-channel discussions about forming a coalition government in AJK.
The proposed arrangement reportedly included important positions for the PPP, including the AJK presidency and the deputy speaker’s position in the Legislative Assembly.
However, the PPP rejected the offer and decided to sit on the opposition benches, according to sources.
PML-N Takes Charge of AJK Government
Gillani’s election marks a significant political development for the PML-N in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
With the PPP moving into opposition and seven Assembly seats still awaiting elections, the new AJK government faces a politically challenging period ahead.
Gillani will now lead the government as parties continue to navigate the changing political balance in the region.
