Lawmakers in Pakistan-administered Kashmir elected Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani as prime minister on Friday, following a vote in the region’s legislative assembly. Gillani, affiliated with Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), secured 30 out of 44 votes cast, according to the election commission and regional officials.

This result marks the return of the PML-N to power in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after a decade. Gillani’s main competitor, Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), received 14 votes, reflecting a significant shift in the regional political landscape.

The election followed legislative polls conducted in phases over recent weeks, a process extended due to security concerns. The PML-N’s strong performance came after the party of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif led candidates to a commanding lead in these elections.

However, the electoral process was also shaped by the ongoing boycott called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an outlawed coalition of political groups. JAAC has urged residents to abstain from voting and has continued to organize rallies opposing the polls. Despite this, voter turnout proceeded as planned and the results were accepted by the legislative body.

The new leadership change in Pakistan-administered Kashmir reflects ongoing political dynamics in the region, where electoral processes have frequently faced challenges related to security and opposing political factions.