PML-N consultations continue over the formation of the new AJK government, with Barrister Iftikhar Gilani emerging as a potential choice for prime minister.
ISLAMABAD: Barrister Iftikhar Gilani has emerged as a potential choice of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for the post of prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as consultations continue over the formation of the new AJK government.
Gilani, who was elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly on a technocrat seat, was among those who participated in discussions concerning the formation of the new government. However, his selection as the PML-N’s final candidate has not yet been formally approved.
The consultations were held at the Prime Minister’s House under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Senior PML-N leaders discussed the political situation in AJK and the formation of the new government.
PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir and former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider participated in the consultations. Newly elected AJK Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq also attended the meeting.
Senator Rana Sanaullah and former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique were also present, along with Deputy Speaker Ahmed Raza Qadri and Barrister Iftikhar Gilani.
The election for the new AJK prime minister has been delayed by one day and is now scheduled to take place on Aug. 28.
The discussions come after the PML-N emerged as the leading political force in the recent AJK elections and secured a strong position in the Legislative Assembly.
While Gilani’s name has gained prominence during the consultations, the final decision regarding the party’s candidate remains subject to formal approval. Further developments are expected as the election for the AJK prime minister approaches.
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