MUZAFFARABAD, Aug 28, 2026 — Pakistan-administered Kashmir's legislative assembly elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Barrister Iftikhar Gilani as prime minister on Friday, despite his defeat in the recent general election. Gilani secured 30 votes, defeating Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi, who received 14 votes. His election has sparked political debate because Gilani entered the assembly through a reserved technocrat seat after losing the recent election from Muzaffarabad.

Defeated in General Election

Gilani had contested the recent general election from a Muzaffarabad constituency as a PML-N candidate but was defeated by PPP's Abbasi. He had also lost the 2021 general election.

He later entered the 53-member legislative assembly through a reserved technocrat seat, paving the way for his nomination as prime minister. Gilani rejected criticism of his appointment, saying there was neither a constitutional nor an ethical restriction preventing a member elected on a reserved seat from becoming prime minister.

PML-N Wins Majority Support

The PML-N has the support of 32 lawmakers in the 53-member assembly, giving it a clear majority. However, the party's decision to nominate Gilani exposed differences within its ranks. PML-N's regional president Shah Ghulam Qadir did not vote for Gilani. Qadir had reportedly been interested in becoming prime minister but was not selected by the party leadership.

Shah Ghulam Qadir Opposes Nomination

Qadir has publicly expressed his disagreement with Gilani's nomination, saying a person who had lost two elections should not hold the region's top political office. He said his objection was based on principle rather than any personal disagreement with Gilani. Qadir argued that the prime minister should ideally be someone who had won a direct election and received a mandate from voters. He said the party had given former prime minister Nawaz Sharif the authority to choose the candidate but that he had not been able to discuss the matter directly with him.

Gilani: I Now Represent the Whole Region

Speaking after his election, Gilani said the vote demonstrated the confidence placed in him by the party leadership and elected lawmakers. "Previously, I represented only Muzaffarabad. Today, through the votes of elected members, I represent the whole of Kashmir," he said. Gilani said his priority would be to work within the political system and improve governance rather than focus on his defeat in the general election.

Vision for Government

In a written statement, Gilani said his vision was for a politically united, economically stronger and administratively transparent state. He said creating opportunities for young people, strengthening institutions and improving public services would be among his priorities. "Political positions are temporary, but public service, stronger institutions and a better system for future generations are the real legacy of leadership," he said.

Elections Held Amid Political Unrest

The recent elections were held amid months of political unrest and protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Elections in seven constituencies in the Poonch and Sudhnoti districts were postponed because of security concerns. Most of the affected constituencies are in Poonch, where supporters of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee had been staging protests.The political unrest and delayed polling have added to the challenges facing the newly formed government.

Previous Precedent

Gilani has pointed to a previous example of a reserved-seat lawmaker becoming prime minister. Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, a leader of the Muslim Conference, became prime minister in
1991 after being elected to the assembly on a reserved seat for religious scholars and clerics. He remained in office until 1996.

Challenges Ahead

Gilani now faces the task of leading a government amid political divisions, public protests and demands for better governance and economic opportunities. His own party's internal disagreement over his nomination could also prove a challenge as he begins his tenure. Gilani said he wanted to put the election campaign and its disagreements behind him and focus on delivering better governance and services to the people of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.