ISLAMABAD, 27 August 2026 (Nosheen): The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has finalised Barrister Iftikhar Gilani as its candidate for the office of Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), following consultations on the formation of a new government in the region. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. The meeting discussed the formation of the new PML-N government in Azad Kashmir and reviewed the future parliamentary strategy. Senator Rana Sanaullah, Khawaja Saad Rafique, PML-N Azad Kashmir President Shah Ghulam Qadir and former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider attended the meeting. Newly elected Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Raza Qadri and Barrister Iftikhar Gilani, who was elected on a technocrat seat, also participated in the discussions. The participants deliberated on the formation of the new cabinet, government priorities, good governance and measures to improve the functioning of government affairs in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The election for the prime minister of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly is scheduled to be held on August 28. Barrister Iftikhar Gilani’s nomination comes as the PML-N moves forward with efforts to form its government following recent legislative developments in Azad Kashmir.The party leadership expressed confidence in the new parliamentary setup and emphasised the need for effective governance, institutional coordination and improved public service delivery in the region.