Farhan Qureshi 
An experienced AJK politician has been placed in the top executive position in the region following the change of leadership. Gillani, who has previously served as a member of the AJK Assembly and as minister for higher education, brings experience in legislative affairs and public administration to the new prime minister as the government turns its attention toward employment, health care and regional development.
AJK Prime Minister Election: Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani Wins
Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani defeated Sardar Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate, who got 14 votes, by bagging 30 votes out of 44 cast in the AJK Legislative Assembly. The outcome gave the PML-N candidate a clear mandate from the assembly for the region’s highest elected executive office.
Gillani is the latest political leader to assume charge of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government after elections following the resignation of PPP leader Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore. His election signifies a major political transition within the AJK administration and brings development priorities to the forefront of the new government’s agenda.
AJK’s New PM Takes Oath In Muzaffarabad
Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani takes oath on August 28, 2026, in Muzaffarabad. AJK Acting President Chaudhry Tariq Farooq administered the oath, formally launching Gillani’s tenure as prime minister.
After the assembly election, the swearing-in ceremony followed, completing the immediate transition of executive leadership. Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, continues to be the main administrative centre of the government of the territory. The oath-taking there brought the new leadership into the existing institutional framework of the political system of AJK.
The transition also provides an opportunity for the new administration to turn electoral support into practical governance. As the government settles into a new term, key areas that need continued attention are employment, healthcare and regional development.
Gillani Brings Experience Of The AJK Assembly
Gillani has a strong political background in AJK and enters the PM House. He served as a member of the AJK Legislative Assembly between 2011 and 2021, and also as minister for higher education.
He has previous legislative experience that offers an understanding of how the assembly operates and the administrative duties of regional governance. His political background is also connected to one of the areas that can impact on youth opportunities and long-term development, namely experience in higher education.
Gillani is making the move back into a senior executive role where she can use that previous experience while taking on a much wider portfolio of policy responsibilities. Institutional experience is especially relevant given the need for co-ordination across economic development, public services, infrastructure and social sectors at the prime minister’s office.
Government Makes Youth Employment A Priority
Youth employment is a key priority among the agenda associated with Gillani’s leadership. Youth in AJK is a key element of the future economic and social development of the region; therefore, expanding employment opportunities is even more important.
A greater focus on employment can improve household income and also encourage young people to participate more in the regional economy. Skills development, entrepreneurship, private-sector investment and stronger connections between education and employment can all contribute to expanding the opportunities for younger residents.
New Agenda: Improving Healthcare
Healthcare services can be strengthened by improving existing hospitals, expanding primary healthcare capacity and supporting better access to qualified medical professionals. Such measures can make the public healthcare responsive to the needs of the communities in different parts of AJK.
The new government’s focus on healthcare can also aid broader development goals. Healthier communities are more able to participate in education and employment, and a stronger medical infrastructure can support better living standards and regional resilience.
Regional Development More Politically Visible
Regional development is also anticipated to be another major area of focus under Gillani’s leadership. The geography of AJK leads to unique development needs in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, public services and economic opportunities across urban and rural communities.
Balanced regional development can help to avoid economic progress being concentrated in major administrative centres. Improved connectivity can increase the accessibility of destinations and bring benefits to businesses related to hospitality, transport and local commerce.
PML-N Leadership Enters New Phase In Azad Kashmir
The election of Gillani places the PML-N at the centre of the latest political phase of the AJK government. The party now has a chance to promote its development agenda through the executive leadership while keeping coordination with the AJK Legislative Assembly.
The parliamentary majority of the new prime minister offers a platform to pursue policies that need legislative support. Strong cooperation between government institutions will continue to be essential for the implementation of programs based on commitments on employment, health and development.
New AJK Govt Mandated To Focus On Development
The election of Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani as the 17th Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a significant change in the political leadership of the region. He defeated Sardar Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi by 30 votes, delivering him a clear mandate in the assembly before the oath was administered by Acting President Chaudhry Tariq Farooq.
With a background as a former member of the AJK assembly and former minister for higher education, Gillani brings a known understanding of regional governance. His priorities include youth employment, healthcare improvements and regional development as central areas of the new administration.
