ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shah Ghulam Qadir is likely to become the next prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), according to sources familiar with the party’s consultations on government formation.
The decision was reportedly reached in principle during a high-level PML-N meeting held in Murree under the chairmanship of party leader Nawaz Sharif.
Sources said Shah Ghulam Qadir has emerged as the leading candidate for the AJK prime minister’s office. However, the party has not yet made a formal announcement, and consultations on the final nomination are continuing.
Tariq Afaq, Col Waqar Also Under Consideration
While Shah Ghulam Qadir is currently the frontrunner, sources said Tariq Afaq and retired Col Waqar are also under consideration for the position of AJK prime minister.
The final decision will be taken by the PML-N leadership after further consultations. The party is expected to formally announce its nominee once the government-formation process moves forward.
Nawaz Sharif Hears Mohsin Aziz’s Grievances
PML-N candidate Mohsin Aziz, who lost the Haveli constituency election to outgoing AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, also met Nawaz Sharif during the Murree meeting.
According to sources, Nawaz Sharif separately heard Aziz’s complaints and concerns. It was subsequently decided that Aziz would be brought into the AJK Legislative Assembly through a technocrat seat.
Nawaz Sharif reportedly assured Aziz that his concerns would be addressed.
Independent Lawmaker May Join PML-N
Newly elected independent AJK Assembly member Sajid Iqbal Abbasi, who defeated Muslim Conference president Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, was also present in Murree.
Sources said Abbasi was seeking a meeting with Nawaz Sharif and could potentially join the PML-N in the coming days.
His possible inclusion could further strengthen the PML-N’s position as the party moves toward forming the next government in AJK.
Senior PML-N Leadership Attends Meeting
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, former Punjab chief minister Hamza Shehbaz, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
Senior PML-N leaders Rana Sanaullah, Pervaiz Rashid, Amir Muqam, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Safdar, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Anusha Rahman and Talal Chaudhry also attended.
From AJK, Shah Ghulam Qadir, Raja Farooq Haider and newly elected members of the Legislative Assembly participated in the meeting.
The participants discussed government formation, the allocation of key positions and the overall political situation in Azad Kashmir.
PML-N Proposes Names for Reserved Seats
Meanwhile, PML-N AJK has submitted a proposed list of candidates for reserved seats to Nawaz Sharif.
Sources said Maria Iqbal, Nasira Khan, Maryam Kashmiri, Nisara Abbasi and Seharish Qamar have been proposed for the women’s reserved seats.
For the seat reserved for ulema and religious scholars, Pir Mazhar Saeed has been proposed, while Raja Muhammad Javed is expected to be finalised for the overseas reserved seat.
The final approval of the reserved-seat candidates will be given by Nawaz Sharif, according to sources.
Once the names are approved, the next phase of government formation in AJK will begin.
Final Decision Awaited
With Shah Ghulam Qadir emerging as the leading contender, the PML-N is now expected to finalise its choice for the AJK prime minister’s office.
However, Tariq Afaq and retired Col Waqar remain under consideration, and the party has yet to make a formal announcement.
The final nomination is expected after further consultations among the PML-N leadership.
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