Lahore: MNN
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has secured a majority for government formation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir; however, no final decision has yet been announced regarding the party’s candidate for prime minister.
A new political debate has emerged after PML-N nominated Barrister Iftikhar Gilani for the technocrat seat.
Barrister Iftikhar Gilani is now being considered among the potential candidates for the office of prime minister.
The key question is whether PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif will opt for a technocrat instead of a traditionally elected political leader to lead the new AJK government.
PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has nominated Barrister Iftikhar Gilani for the technocrat seat. If Gilani is elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly, he would have a constitutional pathway to contest the election for prime minister.
However, consultations within the PML-N are still underway, with several names under consideration. The final decision is expected to be taken by the party leadership, particularly Nawaz Sharif.
Barrister Iftikhar Gilani’s name has gained significance in political circles because, if he enters the Assembly through the technocrat seat, he could become part of the party’s government-formation formula.
If the PML-N leadership decides to choose a relatively non-controversial personality with a technocratic background, Barrister Iftikhar Gilani could emerge as an important option.
For now, however, his name is being discussed as a potential candidate for prime minister, and no final decision has been made.
The decisive phase of government formation in AJK is approaching, while the political numbers have become clearer following the allocation of reserved seats.
All eyes are now on Nawaz Sharif’s decision: whether the PML-N will choose an elected political leader, including Shah Ghulam Qadir or Tariq Farooq, or give technocrat Barrister Iftikhar Gilani an opportunity to lead the new AJK government.
