PPP considers candidates for AJK premiership

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has yet to finalise its nominee for the office of Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), even as it prepares to move a no-confidence motion against the incumbent, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday.

Sources within the party told reporters that PPP’s central leadership, despite securing the support of 36 members in the 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly, remains divided over its choice for the top slot. 

Four names are currently under consideration — Chaudhry Yasin, Latif Akbar, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, and Sardar Yaqub.

According to sources, Chaudhry Yasin and Latif Akbar are considered the frontrunners, but disagreements within the party have stalled a final decision. 

Several PPP lawmakers are reportedly dissatisfied with Yasin’s leadership style, while others argue that Akbar has yet to command the full confidence of the parliamentary group. 

Meanwhile, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore and Sardar Yaqub have also emerged as potential consensus candidates in recent discussions.

Party sources confirmed that once the candidate for the premiership is finalised, the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Anwarul Haq will be formally submitted to the AJK Assembly Secretariat.

The PPP initially had 17 members in the assembly, but has since expanded its numbers through alliances with the Barrister Sultan group and a forward bloc, adding 10 more members to its ranks.

The PML-N’s support, announced in Islamabad earlier, has further consolidated the PPP’s position, bringing the total count of lawmakers supporting the no-confidence motion to 36.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq still retains the backing of around 10 members of the forward bloc, who have not yet switched sides.

Earlier today, the PPP had given the Prime Minister a deadline until 2 pm to resign, after which the motion is expected to be tabled. 

Party sources say the final strategy has been devised in consultation with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and all PPP lawmakers have been instructed to remain present in Muzaffarabad.

As political maneuvering intensifies, analysts describe the coming hours as crucial for Azad Kashmir’s power dynamics, with leadership divisions threatening to slow the PPP’s bid for a smooth in-house transition.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the final strategy has been devised in consultation with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and the PPP leadership has instructed its lawmakers to be present in the assembly by noon. 

The party insider said that once the deadline expires, the party will formally submit the motion of no-confidence to the AJK Assembly Secretariat.

The PPP is said to have secured the backing of more than 36 members of the legislative assembly, giving it a clear numerical edge in the parliamentary numbers game. 

The development has caused unease in opposition ranks as political activity intensifies in Muzaffarabad, particularly within the PM House and Assembly Secretariat, which have become the centre of round-the-clock negotiations.

Sources further claim that Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq is considering resignation to avoid a formal vote of no-confidence once the motion is tabled. Political observers describe the next few hours as decisive for the future of Azad Kashmir’s political landscape.

Yesterday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) decided to support the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for bringing a no-confidence motion against Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq. 

The announcement was made by Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah while addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad, alongside PPP central leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and others, after delegations from both parties met President Asif Ali Zardari. 

Rana Sanaullah said PML-N will not be part of Azad Kashmir government. Change in current setup is inevitable but PML-N will play its role by sitting in opposition, said Ahsan Iqbal.

He added that current setup of Azad Kashmir failed to fulfill its responsibilities. 

Reporter: Safeer Rana