DRAFT — for review (not published)
- Suggested slug: dar-sana-meet-ajk-pm-gilani-development
- Category: National
- Focus keyphrase: AJK PM Gilani Dar Rana Sanaullah meeting
- SEO title: Dar, Rana Sana Discuss AJK Development with PM Gilani
- Meta description: Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Adviser Rana Sanaullah held separate meetings with AJK PM Iftikhar Gilani on development, public welfare and federal-AJK cooperation on Saturday.
- Tags: Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, AJK, Iftikhar Gilani, Azad Kashmir development, federal government, Inter-Provincial Coordination
- Original element: explainer context — the meetings come with a new AJK government under the PML-N-backed Iftikhar Gilani; the Foreign Office statement frames federal backing for the new administration’s development agenda (internal links to the new AJK government thread below)
- Source: Express Tribune (“Dar, Sana discuss AJK uplift with PM Gilani”, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635433/dar-sana-discuss-ajk-uplift-with-pm-gilani, published 18 Oct 2026, 10:39am PKT)
- Story date: 18 October 2026
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Dar, Rana Sana Discuss AJK Development with PM Gilani
Federal leaders held separate meetings with Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani on Saturday to discuss the region’s development priorities, public welfare and expanded opportunities for its people, particularly the youth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Senator Rana Sanaullah both met Gilani in Islamabad.
What was discussed
Dar and Gilani exchanged views on AJK’s development needs and the importance of sustained efforts to promote economic growth and social progress, according to a press release from the Foreign Office spokesperson.
The two leaders emphasised a shared approach to the region’s challenges and expanding opportunities for its residents.
Dar expressed hope that the new AJK government would fulfil the aspirations of the region’s people and reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to their welfare and prosperity, in line with their needs and expectations.
In his separate meeting with Rana Sanaullah, Gilani discussed matters of mutual interest, the welfare of AJK’s people, regional development and the problems confronting residents. The talks covered improving living conditions, expanding educational opportunities for young people and encouraging their participation in constructive activities.
Both meetings underscored the importance of cooperation between the federal and AJK governments in advancing development and improving people’s lives.
The backdrop
Gilani heads a new PML-N-backed AJK government, and Saturday’s meetings signalled Islamabad’s engagement with the new administration on its development agenda. Federal-AJK coordination has taken on added importance as the region pushes for infrastructure and social investment.
Our recent national coverage has followed the federal government’s dealings with AJK leadership, including the AJK leadership’s call for a peaceful resolution of the Poonch crisis and the AJK assembly speaker’s push for consensus on refugee seats.
Frequently asked questions
Who met the AJK prime minister on Saturday?
Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the PM’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, in separate meetings.
What was discussed?
AJK’s development priorities, public welfare, economic growth, educational opportunities for youth and cooperation between the federal and AJK governments.
Who is the AJK prime minister?
Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani, backed by the PML-N, heads the new AJK government.
