(Abdul Basit Alvi)
Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape has gained renewed attention following the unprecedented recent elections, formation of a new government, and selection of Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani as Prime Minister. His selection has sparked controversy because he was elected on a technocrat/reserved seat rather than a general seat, but such criticism is considered constitutionally unfounded because AJK law allows any member of the Legislative Assembly to become Prime Minister and does not distinguish between members elected on general or reserved seats for technocrats and other professionals. All assembly members have equal legislative and constitutional status, and membership of the Assembly is the primary qualification for becoming Prime Minister; therefore, the focus should be on Gillani’s vision, ability, and commitment rather than the category of his seat. His defeat from a general seat in the latest election does not erase his political experience: he was first elected in 2011, retained his seat in 2016, and served as a minister. His election to the Assembly through the technocrat seat gave him a legitimate mandate from those who voted for him, while the subsequent selection of Prime Minister is a separate constitutional process in which the Assembly chooses its leader through majority confidence. Thus, claims that his selection violates “respect for the vote” overlook the distinction between an individual member’s electoral mandate and the Assembly’s collective authority to choose its Prime Minister. His elevation reflects the confidence placed in him by the party leadership and Assembly majority and carries broader strategic, constitutional, and political significance for AJK’s future governance and development.
The new government’s smooth formation and development-focused approach have generated optimism, particularly because Gillani represents younger and more energetic leadership backed by the PML-N central government and the guidance of Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Her close connection to Kashmir and her declaration of herself as a “daughter of Kashmir,” along with her announced comprehensive development package for AJK, have raised expectations that successful Punjab welfare and governance initiatives could be extended to the territory. These include the Kisan Card, Rashan Card, Suthra Punjab campaign, housing schemes, scholarships, laptops and tablets, and modern transport such as electric buses for Muzaffarabad and Mirpur. Gillani’s commitments to transparency, youth employment, economic digitization, and improvements in education and healthcare align with this wider development agenda, creating hopes for greater resources, expertise, prosperity, and improved quality of life. The recent elections themselves were widely considered among AJK’s fairest and most transparent, with professional and impartial multi-phase polling, no participation by hate elements, peaceful and issue-based campaigning, and no political party, group, or independent candidate being prevented from contesting. This inclusive process strengthened democratic confidence and gave the successful parties a credible mandate. The new cabinet also combines youthful, energetic members with experience, emphasizing new faces, merit, competence, fresh perspectives, and results-oriented governance. Its effectiveness in collectively implementing the ambitious development agenda will be crucial, while the combination of youth and experience is seen as a strong formula for addressing AJK’s challenges, advancing reforms, and sustaining progress.
Consequently, the people of AJK are hopeful that this government, under the remarkable leadership of its Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani, will open new doors of development and prosperity for the territory. The public has shown a significant degree of optimism, largely driven by the promises of the PML-N and the perceived capability of the new leadership to deliver on these promises. The extensive development agenda, which includes improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the economy, has resonated deeply with the public. The emphasis on merit-based recruitment and anti-corruption measures has also helped to build trust in the new administration. People are tired of the old ways of governance and are looking for a fresh start that can bring tangible improvements to their lives and secure a better future for their children. The focus on youth employment through interest-free loans and other schemes has also generated a great deal of hope among the younger generation, who see the new government as a vehicle for their empowerment . The fact that the government has started working immediately and has taken initial steps to address public grievances has further reinforced this sense of optimism.
It is clear that the people have welcomed the new government and have rejected all propaganda against a genuine political process. Despite the efforts of certain political factions and critics to undermine the credibility of the elections and the subsequent government formation, the public has shown its support for the democratic transition. The massive public turnouts at the election rallies of the PML-N were a clear indication of the people’s endorsement of the party’s vision and its leadership . The people have demonstrated through their vote and their subsequent acceptance of the results that they are tired of baseless allegations and propaganda campaigns. They are more interested in seeing their political leaders work for their welfare and address the real issues affecting their lives, such as inflation, electricity prices, and the need for development . The public discourse has been dominated by a desire for progress and good governance, and the people have largely ignored the negative campaigns launched by those who seek to delegitimize the political process. The new government has been given a clear mandate by the people, and it now carries the heavy responsibility of delivering on their expectations and fulfilling the promises that were made to them.
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