WITH the completion of the presidential election, Azad Jammu and Kashmir has entered a new phase of its constitutional and political journey. The three principal constitutional offices are now held by Dr Najeeb Naqi as President, Barrister Iftikhar Gillani as Prime Minister and Chaudhry Tariq Farooq as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. This political triad is significant beyond the personalities involved. It brings together three constitutional offices at a time when AJK faces substantial public expectations and responsibilities arising from its political, economic and strategic position. Poonch, Muzaffarabad and Mirpur have distinctive political identities and their presence at the apex of the constitutional structure can acquire significance if regional diversity is translated into political inclusion, institutional balance and effective governance.

For Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani, the immediate task is to translate political commitments into an identifiable programme of government. The proposed first 100 days should establish clear priorities, realistic timelines, adequate resources and measurable outcomes. Roads, electricity, health, education, employment, tourism, hydropower, municipal services and economic opportunities directly affect citizens’ daily lives. As Speaker, Chaudhry Tariq Farooq will have a different but equally important........

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