A major reshuffle has been seen in the politics of Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POK). Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Iftikhar Gilani has taken oath of office as the 17th Prime Minister of PoK. He gave his first address to the House soon after taking oath at a grand ceremony held at the PoK Assembly in Muzaffarabad. However, as soon as he took command, he started chanting anti-India slogans as per his old habit.
Iftikhar Gilani registered a one-sided victory in this political contest for the post of Prime Minister. He secured a total of 30 votes, while his rival and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Sardar Mukhtar Khan had to be content with just 14 votes. Let us tell you that Geelani was elected a member of the PoK Assembly for the first time in the year 2011 and has also served as the Education Minister in the past. This time he has reached the Assembly through the seat reserved for technocrats.
India was targeted as soon as he assumed the chair
During his very first speech in the House, the new Prime Minister made sharp statements against India. According to Geo News report, Geelani strongly criticized India, linking the Kashmir issue to old UN resolutions and the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people. He also protested against the historic step of removing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir by the Central Government on 5 August 2019.
Geelani, in his sharp statements, claimed that Kashmir cannot be made an integral part of India by making any law. Taking a dig at the relations between Pakistan and Kashmir, he said that Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir and Kashmir is also incomplete without Pakistan.
Expressed gratitude to Pakistani Army and Shahbaz Sharif
During the address, Iftikhar Gilani specially thanked the Pakistan Army and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Along with this, he expressed gratitude towards Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Iftikhar Geelani promised that his government will work to bring major changes in the development and governance system of PoK on the same lines as work is being done in Pakistan's Punjab province under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz.
Gave assurance of development, education and digital services
Presenting the blueprint of administrative reforms, Geelani talked about improving health and education systems. He promised to provide skill-based education to the youth and bring transparency in government functioning. To prevent rigging in recruitments, he announced plans to implement a transparent third-party recruitment system on the lines of the National Testing Service (NTS).
Additionally, the new Prime Minister stressed on connecting PoK with the digital economy. He talked about starting 'Digital Citizen Portal' for quick redressal of complaints of common citizens. Also, he admitted that there is currently a serious problem of internet services in many areas of PoK, which he expressed confidence that it will be rectified in the coming time.
Shahbaz Sharif congratulated
On the other hand, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Iftikhar Gilani on being elected as the new Prime Minister of PoK. He attributed this victory to the efficient leadership of Nawaz Sharif and the hard work of the party workers. Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that Geelani would work for the development of the region and the welfare of the people. Also, he assured that the Central Government of Pakistan will continue to provide all possible help to improve the living standards of the people of PoK.