Shah Ghulam Qadir nominated as next AJK prime minister
“Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Azad Kashmir President Shah Ghulam Qadir has been nominated for the position of prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, following extensive consultations within …”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also attended the meeting, where Shah Ghulam Qadir was selected to lead the AJK government. Shah Ghulam Qadir is expected to be elected leader of the house in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday, August 27.
His oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to be held at 5pm the same day at the High Court Ground. With more than three decades of parliamentary and electoral experience, Shah Ghulam Qadir is regarded as one of AJK’s most seasoned political leaders.
He has been elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly seven times and served as speaker of the Legislative Assembly twice, in 2006 and 2016. He has also held several key portfolios, including finance, planning and development, food and information.
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Shah Ghulam Qadir began his political career with the Muslim Conference and later became one of the founding leaders of PML-N Azad Kashmir. He has played an important role in the party’s reorganization, political outreach and preparations for future elections.
Beyond parliamentary politics, he has represented the Kashmir cause at international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council, advocating the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. Also read: Tariq Farooq, Ahmed Raza Qadri take oath as AJK Assembly speaker, deputy speaker.
He has also remained active in representing Kashmiris living as refugees in Pakistan and highlighting issues related to the Kashmir cause. His political outlook is described as being centered on Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan, constitutional democracy, parliamentary supremacy and institutional stability.
His links with various political groups, including the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, as well as his command of the Kashmiri language, have also contributed to his prominence in AJK politics. Political circles view his nomination as PML-N’s decision to entrust the leadership of the AJK government to an experienced parliamentarian.
His seven electoral victories, experience in several key ministries and two terms as assembly speaker are expected to strengthen his position in leading the new government. His longstanding parliamentary experience and strong political links with Islamabad are also being viewed as potentially important factors for the new administration.
Written by Madiha Imam
Aman-e-Pakistan Senior Journalist & Bureau Reporter
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