MUZAFARABAD: A no-confidence motion against Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq was presented on Monday in the AJK Assembly. Supported by 25 lawmakers, the resolution could open the door for PPP candidate Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore to assume the role of prime minister. This development highlights shifting political alliances within the 52-member assembly.
The resolution was formally submitted to the assembly secretariat on Friday and was signed by 23 members of the PPP and two from the PML-N. Chaudhry Latif Akbar, the Assembly Speaker, presided over the session, which saw attendance from key figures, including Khawaja Farooq Ahmad, the PTI opposition leader. Prime Minister Haq also made an appearance, exchanged greetings with Rathore, delivered a speech, and then exited the session.
The PPP has strengthened its position in recent weeks, with two members from the PTI forward bloc joining its ranks, bringing its total to 29 members. Earlier in October, 10 legislators from the PTI’s forward bloc had also shifted to PPP, giving the party a clear majority in the 52-member assembly, where 27 votes are needed to secure a simple majority.
In accordance with the AJK Constitution, a successful no-confidence vote concurrently serves as a vote for the proposed successor. Should this motion pass, Rathore would become the assembly’s fourth prime minister since 2021, indicating yet another leadership change with just six months left in the current term.
AJK’s political landscape remains highly unstable, marked by frequent leadership reshuffles. Abdul Qayyum Niazi led as prime minister in 2021 but was succeeded by Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, who was later disqualified. Haq took over in April 2023, representing the third transition. Now, with the emergence of yet another contender for leadership, these shifts further underscore the volatile nature of governance in AJK as the PPP continues to consolidate its influence.
