Islamabad: (RightNow) Rana Sanaullah, Advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Political Affairs, states that the decision to appoint Iftikhar Gillani as the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was made by Nawaz Sharif. He shared this during a conversation on Geo News, explaining that the decision was made collectively by the party leadership and Nawaz Sharif.

Rana Sanaullah further mentioned that it was a difficult decision but was made in favor of Iftikhar Gillani, ensuring no injustice was done. He added that Shah Ghulam Qadir is the party president and will remain with them at all costs.

He also stated that Shah Ghulam Qadir and Raja Farooq Haider will be included in the party’s team. Meanwhile, Iftikhar Gillani of the Pakistan Muslim League-N has been elected as the 17th Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Iftikhar Gillani secured 30 votes, while Sardar Mukhtar Khan of the Pakistan People’s Party received 14 votes. Gillani was first elected to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 2011.

It is noteworthy that Tariq Farooq of the Pakistan Muslim League-N was elected Speaker with 32 votes, while Chaudhry Qasim Majeed of the Pakistan People’s Party secured 14 votes. Iftikhar Gillani has also served as the Minister of Education in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.