pmln backs gilani
| |

PML-N backs Gilani for AJK Premiership

ISLAMABAD: Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani is set to be elected as the 17th Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) today, August 28, after the AJK Legislative Assembly issued a revised schedule for the election.

Gilani’s nomination by PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif has placed the party’s central leadership at the centre of the government-formation process in AJK, where the PML-N and its allies hold a comfortable majority in the 53-member Legislative Assembly.

Election Schedule

According to the revised schedule issued by the AJK Legislative Assembly, nomination papers will be filed from 9:30am to 10:30am, followed by scrutiny from 10:30am to 10:45am.

The candidate list will be displayed at 11:00am, while candidates will be allowed to withdraw their papers until 11:30am. The final list will be issued at noon.

The election for the prime minister is scheduled for 2:00pm, after Friday prayers, followed by the oath-taking ceremony at 4:00pm at the Presidency.

PML-N Holds Numbers

The PML-N and its coalition partners currently command 32 seats in the 53-member assembly, including support from JUI and Awami Dast-o-Bazu.

The PPP has 14 members and has nominated Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi and Bazal Naqvi for the prime ministerial contest.

With the coalition holding a clear majority, Gilani is widely expected to secure the required votes and become the next AJK premier.

Nomination Sparks Internal Reservations

Despite the coalition’s numerical strength, Gilani’s nomination has reportedly exposed differences within the PML-N’s AJK chapter.

Sources familiar with the matter told Minute Mirror that PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir and former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan expressed reservations during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad on Wednesday in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Qadir was also reportedly opposed to the nomination and indicated that he would neither vote for Gilani nor attend Friday’s assembly session.

The extent of internal dissent became evident when only 26 of the 32 lawmakers supporting the coalition attended a dinner hosted by AJK Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq on Thursday night.

PML-N leader and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed Gilani’s nomination on X, saying the decision was taken following consultations within the party leadership.

Gilani’s Political Career

Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani became a member of the AJK Legislative Assembly in August 2026 on a technocrat seat.

He previously served as an assembly member from October 2011 to August 2021, giving him considerable experience in AJK politics.

Speaker, Deputy Speaker Elected

The latest developments follow the election of Chaudhry Tariq Farooq as Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly on August 24. He secured 32 votes.

Ahmed Raza Qadri was elected Deputy Speaker with the same number of votes.

A small cabinet is also expected to take oath after the new prime minister assumes office.

Nawaz Sharif’s Role

The latest nomination marks another significant turn in the PML-N’s efforts to form the government in AJK.

Following the party’s victory in the AJK elections, held in three phases between July 27 and August 10, Nawaz Sharif initially nominated Shah Ghulam Qadir for the top office.

The subsequent nomination of Barrister Iftikhar Gilani has therefore introduced an unexpected twist to the government-formation process, while raising questions about whether the PML-N leadership can resolve internal differences before the new government takes shape.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Harshad Chopda becomes first finalist as Shivangi Joshi exits

    Harshad Chopda has secured the first finalist position in Lock Upp 2, while Shivangi Joshi’s journey on the reality show came to an unexpected end after a dramatic elimination that left contestants and viewers stunned. The latest episode featured an emotional task to determine the season’s first finalist. Several contestants, including Varun Yadav, Shilpa Shinde, Ram Kapoor and Akanksha Chamola, stepped aside, leaving Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi as the final two contenders for the coveted spot. As part of the challenge, the two actors were locked inside the final cell and asked to decide between themselves who deserved to move directly into the finale. However, the decision proved difficult as both contestants hesitated to choose themselves over the other, resulting in an emotional conversation that revealed the strong bond they had formed during the competition. During the discussion, Chopda surprised Joshi by admitting that he had intentionally lost one of the earlier tasks to help her. The revelation caught the actress off guard, especially after he had previously denied making such a sacrifice. “I did lose the game,” Chopda confessed, leaving Joshi visibly confused and emotional. Questioning his decision, Joshi asked why he had given up an opportunity that could have benefited him. Chopda explained that throughout the season he had often put others before himself. This time, however, he felt it was important to focus on his own journey and fight for a place in the finale. Despite his explanation, neither contestant was willing to make the final decision. Their reluctance prompted hosts Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh to intervene and encourage them to settle the matter. Chopda remained firm, saying that for the first time in the competition he wanted to prioritise himself. Realising his determination, Joshi eventually stepped out of the final cell, allowing Chopda to claim the title of the season’s first finalist. The emotional moment was followed by another dramatic twist that changed the course of the game. Earlier in the episode, Shreya Kalra had earned a special advantage after winning a crucial task. The reward gave her the authority to eliminate one contestant from the competition. Most contestants believed Kalra would use her power against either Yogesh Rawat or Akanksha Chamola, making her eventual decision all the more surprising. Instead, Kalra chose to evict Shivangi Joshi, bringing the actress’s journey on Lock Upp 2 to an abrupt end. The unexpected elimination shocked fellow contestants, many of whom had not anticipated Joshi’s exit at this stage of the competition. Viewers also reacted with surprise, as the actress had been widely considered one of the strongest contenders for the title. With Chopda becoming the first confirmed finalist and Joshi leaving the show in a dramatic fashion, the race for the Lock Upp 2 trophy has become even more intense. As the finale draws closer, the remaining contestants will continue battling for the remaining spots in the final, promising more emotional moments, strategic gameplay and unexpected twists before the winner is crowned.

  • | |

    KP police put Rs285.8m bounty on 83 wanted terrori…

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have announced rewards for information leading to the arrest or identification of 83 wanted terrorists. According to a list issued by the police, the total reward amount stands at Rs285.8 million. The Central Police Office said financial rewards would be given to individuals who provide information that helps authorities locate, arrest or identify the wanted terrorists. Police said the identity of anyone providing information would be kept completely confidential. The rewards announced for the wanted individuals range from Rs500,000 to Rs100 million, depending on the importance and threat level of each suspect. The list includes wanted individuals from several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ismail Khan, Kulachi, Darazinda, Daraban and Paharpur. Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and closely monitor suspicious activities linked to terrorists and Fitna al-Khawarij. Authorities appealed to the public to share credible information with law enforcement agencies. They stressed that the confidentiality of informants would be fully protected. The reward scheme is part of police efforts to locate wanted militants and strengthen security across the province. Officials said public cooperation could help prevent terrorist activities and improve the overall security situation in vulnerable areas.

  • | | |

    PM Shehbaz congratulates PML-N on AJK election vic…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on its strong performance in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. In a statement, the prime minister extended his congratulations to PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and all successful party candidates, praising their efforts during the election campaign. Shehbaz Sharif said he wholeheartedly congratulated every winning PML-N candidate, adding that the party’s continued electoral success was the result of the hard work and dedication of Nawaz Sharif and the entire PML-N team. He said the party had run a highly successful election campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, describing the victory as a clear expression of the people’s confidence in the PML-N’s policies and vision. The prime minister reiterated that the development and prosperity of Azad Kashmir, along with the welfare of its people, remain among the federal government’s top priorities. He also noted that political parties actively participated in the second phase of the AJK elections, describing the electoral process as an important democratic exercise.

  • |

    Ireland withdraws support for Infantino as FIFA pressure mounts

    The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has withdrawn its previous support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding to growing pressure on the football governing body’s leadership. The FAI confirmed the decision after a board meeting and said it had formally written to FIFA to explain why it was rescinding a letter of support issued earlier this year. The association cited concerns over governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation. The decision comes amid a widening dispute over FIFA’s leadership and a controversial proposal involving the commercial rights of the World Cup. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have criticised Infantino’s handling of the issue, accusing FIFA of a serious breakdown in trust. Ireland’s move represents another setback for Infantino as he seeks another term in office at the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. New Zealand has also withdrawn its backing, while several European associations have publicly opposed Infantino’s leadership. Northern Ireland’s football association, meanwhile, has backed UEFA’s position and said it would continue engaging on issues related to football governance. The contrasting positions on the island underline the wider divisions emerging within international football. Despite the growing opposition, Infantino retains support from several influential football bodies, including the African confederation and a number of Arab football associations. The FIFA presidency therefore remains a closely contested political battle rather than a settled outcome. With more national associations reassessing their positions, the dispute is expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 FIFA election. Ireland’s decision further highlights the mounting calls for greater transparency, consultation and accountability in the governance of world football.

  • |

    Kris Jenner shares emotional tribute to late mom MJ Campbell

    Kris Jenner has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell, on what would have been her first birthday since her passing. On Sunday, July 26, the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch shared an emotional post on Instagram to celebrate her mother’s life and legacy. The touching tribute came just 10 days after Kris announced that MJ had died at the age of 91. The Instagram post featured a collection of cherished family photographs, many of which appeared to have been taken during MJ’s 90th birthday celebration. The first image showed the late family matriarch smiling brightly while wearing a colorful floral jacket. Other photos captured precious moments between Kris and her mother, including one of the pair sitting together at a table and another showing them sharing a warm embrace. Kris also included a family portrait featuring several members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, including Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and other loved ones gathered together. Additional pictures highlighted MJ enjoying special family occasions, with one memorable image showing her flashing a peace sign while smiling for the camera. Accompanying the nostalgic photo carousel, Kris wrote a simple yet emotional message: “Happy Heavenly Birthday Mommy. I love you.” The birthday tribute follows the heartbreaking announcement Kris shared on July 16, when she revealed that her beloved mother had passed away. In her earlier message, the reality television personality reflected on the immense impact MJ had on her life and described the deep sorrow of losing her. “There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye,” Kris wrote while announcing her mother’s death. She also praised her mother for the values she instilled in her family, saying MJ was the heart of their household and taught her the importance of unconditional love, kindness and cherishing every moment with loved ones. Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell was a familiar face to fans of the Kardashian family’s reality television shows over the years. Known for her warmth, elegance and close bond with her daughters and grandchildren, she frequently appeared alongside the famous family during special occasions and celebrations. MJ was the mother of two daughters, Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton. Karen passed away in March 2024 due to cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac arrhythmia, making MJ’s final years especially difficult following the loss of her younger daughter. Kris has often spoken about the special relationship she shared with her mother, crediting her with shaping the strong family values that have remained central to the Kardashian-Jenner family. Her latest birthday tribute served as both a celebration of MJ’s life and a reminder of the lasting influence she continues to have on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The emotional post was met with an outpouring of support from fans and followers, many of whom offered messages of love, prayers and remembrance while honoring the memory of Mary Jo “MJ” Campbell.

  • |

    Sidra Amin’s century in vain as Sri Lanka level ODI series

    Pakistan suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the second women’s ODI despite a brilliant unbeaten century from opener Sidra Amin. After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted 273 for five in their 50 overs. Sidra led the innings with a composed 100 not out from 120 balls, striking 13 boundaries. It was her seventh century in women’s ODIs. Ayesha Zafar added 49 from 45 deliveries, while Muneeba Ali scored 45. Captain Fatima Sana contributed a quick 25 from 18 balls to help Pakistan reach a competitive total. Sri Lanka, however, produced a dominant response and chased down the target in just 46.5 overs, winning by eight wickets and drawing the three-match series level at 1-1. The hosts’ chase was built around a record partnership between Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama. The pair put together 203 runs, the highest partnership for any wicket in Sri Lanka’s women’s ODI history and the team’s first 200-plus stand in the format. Gunaratne played an aggressive innings, scoring 123 from 123 balls with 11 fours and a six. Samarawickrama remained unbeaten after reaching her century, while Kavisha Dilhari provided the finishing push with an unbeaten 40 from 33 balls. Pakistan made an early breakthrough when Fatima Sana dismissed Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu for just one run. However, Gunaratne and Samarawickrama quickly took control and kept Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure. Sidra said Pakistan had adapted well to the conditions but needed to improve their approach against Sri Lanka’s slower bowling. She also acknowledged that the bowling attack needed to be more disciplined in the decisive match. She said Pakistan would look to bowl straighter and target the stumps to restrict Sri Lanka’s batters from opening up and scoring freely. With the series tied 1-1, both teams will now compete in the final ODI with the series trophy at stake.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *