MUZAFFARABAD: Barrister Iftikhar Gilani, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has committed to reinstating internet services throughout the region within two days. During his inaugural visit to the Central Press Club after assuming office, he outlined a phased restoration plan, prioritizing connectivity for educational institutions in the initial stage.
In a significant development, Gilani also announced that all entry and exit points of AJK would be fully operational within 48 hours. Earlier this year, internet and cellular services were suspended following violent protests by the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which demanded the removal of 12 refugee seats in the AJK Assembly. Subsequently, the AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gilani emphasized that his administration’s main priorities include promoting good governance and advancing the Kashmir freedom movement. He assured the public of prompt measures to address their concerns, enhance administrative efficiency, and ensure the provision of essential civic amenities.
Gilani, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was sworn in as the 17th Prime Minister of AJK on August 28. He secured his position through election to the AJK Legislative Assembly on a reserved technocrat seat. In the assembly vote, he received 30 votes, defeating Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Sardar Mukhtar Khan, who garnered 14 votes.
First elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly in 2011, Gilani has previously served as the region’s education minister. The PML-N emerged as the largest party in the recent three-phase general elections, winning 25 seats compared to the PPP’s 11.
The election phases began with 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division, where PML-N claimed nine seats and PPP four. In the second phase on August 2, covering eight constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division and all 12 refugee constituencies, PML-N strengthened its lead by winning 15 seats against PPP’s six. The final phase involved two constituencies, splitting one seat each between PML-N and PPP, finalizing their tallies at 25 and 11 seats respectively.
Following the general elections, PML-N also secured six of the eight reserved seats, increasing its total strength in the AJK Legislative Assembly to 31 seats.
