MUZAFFARABAD – Soon from taking oath as Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s new prime minister, Iftikhar Gilani made strong statement in his first address, saying Kashmiris can sleep peacefully because of the Pakistan Army while pledging reforms and better public services across the region.
Addressing the House, Gilani said his government would work to bring visible improvements to the lives of people across Azad Kashmir, drawing inspiration from the administrative and public-service initiatives introduced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The newly elected premier acknowledged that despite AJK being a relatively small region, its people continue to face serious challenges, particularly in healthcare and public services. He vowed to focus on upgrading hospitals and improving medical facilities so that citizens could receive better healthcare within the region.
Gilani also announced plans to launch Digital Citizen Portal, aimed at providing residents with a direct channel to register complaints and approach the relevant authorities. The initiative, he said, would help make government departments more responsive and ensure that public grievances are addressed more efficiently.
He said Kashmir is incomplete without Pakistan and that the Pakistan Army plays a vital role in ensuring peace and security. New AJK prime minister thanked Armed Forces and and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their role in safeguarding the region.
Gilani also strongly condemned Indian actions in Kashmir, arguing that legislative measures alone cannot change the status of the disputed territory. He maintained that Kashmir cannot simply be made part of India through legislation, signalling that his government would continue to reject New Delhi’s position on the region.
Gilani placed public welfare and governance at the centre of his agenda. His government, he said, would focus on better healthcare, improved basic facilities, faster resolution of public complaints and stronger administrative performance.
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