Gilani meets Qadir to defuse PML-N rift

Newly elected Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Gilani has met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir in an effort to ease tensions within the party following Gilani’s nomination for the top government position.

Gilani visited Qadir’s residence in Bani Gala, Islamabad, on Saturday and sought his support and cooperation for the smooth functioning of the newly formed government.

The meeting came after Qadir expressed reservations over the party leadership’s decision to nominate Gilani, a relatively junior leader, for the prime minister’s office. Qadir had also stayed away from the AJK Legislative Assembly session held to elect the new premier and did not cast his vote in Gilani’s favour.

Sources familiar with the meeting said Qadir made it clear that he had no personal disagreement with Gilani and considered him like a younger brother. However, he maintained his reservations over the process through which the party selected the new prime minister.

Qadir reportedly told Gilani that the party leadership had overlooked seniority and longstanding political traditions by choosing a junior member while ignoring a senior leader holding the party’s AJK presidency.

The AJK government said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere. According to an official statement, Qadir congratulated Gilani on becoming prime minister and wished him success in leading the region.

Gilani, in turn, acknowledged Qadir’s contribution to the PML-N’s electoral success and expressed hope that the senior leader would continue to provide guidance and advice to the new administration.

The prime minister also said Qadir’s experience would be valuable in improving governance and implementing the political vision of PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

During the meeting, Qadir advised the newly elected premier to focus on good governance, ensure merit in administrative decisions and address the concerns of party workers without delay.