Editorial: Opposition within PML-N, protests and rigging claims — several challenges ahead for the new AJK PM

Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani, a 46-year-old barrister, has been appointed as the 17th Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by his party, the PML-N. He secured his position with 30 votes, but his legislative assembly is incomplete due to unrepresented seats in Poonch and Sudhnoti districts. During his inaugural address, Gillani expressed hope for the completion of the electoral process and pledged to focus on employment opportunities, merit-based recruitment, transparency, anti-corruption measures, education and healthcare improvements, economic digitization, and a grievance portal.

Despite these optimistic aims, Gillani faces numerous challenges upon assuming office, including accusations of rigging and controversy from the AJK Election Commission’s decision to announce results after each election phase. Additionally, protests and violence disrupted the electoral process, and his candidacy within his own party was met with strong opposition from senior figures like Shah Ghulam Qadir and former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider.

Gillani's selection as a younger candidate over the party's preferred choice is seen as a gamble, and he must now demonstrate his competence and address the concerns raised by both his party and the opposition to restore stability in the region.