MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Barrister Iftikhar Gillani stated in a Kashmir Digital interview that joining the government was a mistake, criticised its policies, and highlighted his party’s governance achievements while calling for local government empowerment.
Senior Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) leader Barrister Iftikhar Gillani has admitted that his party’s decision to join the current government was a major mistake that has not only harmed the state but also negatively impacted the public.
Speaking in a programme on Kashmir Digital alongside Syed Ashfaq Advocate, Gillani stated that their party faced criticism for being part of the government while simultaneously criticising its policies. However, he clarified that PML-N’s parliamentary party had closely monitored government policies and pointed out shortcomings accordingly.
Gillani emphasised that the PML-N parliamentary board would decide whether to re-admit party members who had joined the government. He noted that although some party members had voted for Anwar-ul-Haq, they did so by party policy. “There is a difference of opinion within the party on whether those members should remain or be expelled,” he added.
Addressing the Awami Action Committee, Gillani challenged them to contest elections if they had general support. He also highlighted the need for empowering local government institutions by releasing funds, saying that 4,000 elected representatives had been set but lacked the required authority to function effectively.
Regarding PML-N’s future strategy, Gillani revealed that the party would soon present a new manifesto to the people. He asserted that their previous government had fully implemented its manifesto, ensuring the completion of various development projects. He also highlighted the introduction of the biometric system, which exposed ghost teachers who had not attended schools for over 20 years while receiving salaries and hiring others for a fraction of their pay.
Gillani credited PML-N’s tenure for improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education, deploying doctors and staff across ten districts, and introducing the NTS recruitment system for teachers. However, he criticised the current government, accusing it of neglecting development projects and failing to address public issues.
On the Kashmir issue, Gillani described it as a matter of identity and honour, stating that history has shown that the biggest wars were fought on passion and dignity, and causes driven by such emotions never fade away.
