PoK’s newly-appointed Prime Minister and the Islamabad factor

The appointment of Iftikhar Gilani as the new "Prime Minister" of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has intensified scrutiny over the region’s political structure and Islamabad’s dominant role in its governance. The selection process, marked by protests and electoral controversies, underscores longstanding concerns about PoK’s autonomy and the influence of Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership in shaping its political outcomes.

The unrest in PoK, which persisted for nearly three months, resulted in dozens of civilian deaths, drawing attention to suppressed questions about the region’s political and institutional framework. Unlike Jammu and Kashmir, which has frequently dominated headlines, PoK has remained largely overlooked despite its strategic significance. The recent elections, where the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a majority, highlighted issues such as refugee seats and the legitimacy of political appointments. Gilani, who lost his general election bid, entered the PoK Assembly through a reserved technocrat seat before being nominated for the premiership—a move widely seen as reflecting broader power dynamics in Pakistan.

Analysts suggest Gilani’s appointment may have been influenced by the military establishment, given Pakistan’s hybrid governance model where the army retains significant control over national security and key policy decisions. The selection process, involving consultations in Islamabad with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leaders, further underscores the centralization of power in the federal capital. Shah Ghulam Qadir, a senior PML-N figure and expected contender for the premiership, was notably absent during the August 28 vote, signaling internal party divisions.

Gilani’s background—including his education in the U.K. and relatively young age—has been framed as an attempt to address generational gaps in PoK’s political leadership. With a median population age of 24, younger voters have increasingly demanded greater representation and accountability, a trend mirrored across South Asia. However, critics argue that his appointment, secured through a reserved seat rather than a direct mandate, weakens the perception of electoral legitimacy.

The controversy surrounding Gilani’s selection highlights deeper structural issues in PoK, where political power has traditionally centered around regional lobbies such as the Mirpur bloc and Muzaffarabad. The dominance of Islamabad in PoK’s governance, as noted by a former deputy commissioner in 2006, continues to shape administrative and political realities, despite constitutional provisions suggesting autonomy.

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