A dramatic political shift unfolded in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as a no-confidence motion removed Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq from office. The Legislative Assembly elected Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as the new premier, marking another major change in the region’s political landscape.
Assembly Overwhelmingly Votes Against Haq
The no-confidence motion succeeded with 36 votes in favour and only two against it. Both opposing votes came from PTI lawmakers. Meanwhile, 14 members abstained in the 53-member house. Because of the AJK Constitution, the vote against the sitting premier also counted as support for the successor named in the same resolution. Consequently, Rathore secured the position immediately after the motion passed.
The session was chaired by Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar. He announced Rathore as the new prime minister following the count. People gathered outside the assembly building watched the proceedings live on big screens, adding intensity to the day’s events.
Rathore Becomes AJK’s 16th Premier
Rathore is now the 16th prime minister elected in AJK since the parliamentary system began in 1975. The no-confidence resolution was submitted on Friday by PPP lawmaker Qasim Majeed, with signatures from 23 PPP members and two PML-N lawmakers.
Haq attended the session briefly. He greeted Rathore and later left after delivering a speech. His defeat appeared inevitable even before the vote, as the PPP had already secured support beyond the required numbers.
Shifting Alliances Strengthened PPP’s Position
The PPP’s strength in the assembly grew significantly in recent months. In October, ten PTI lawmakers from a forward bloc joined the PPP, increasing its count to 27. This shift played a crucial role in shaping today’s outcome.
Additionally, two more PTI lawmakers from the forward bloc joined the PPP one day before the vote. Their decision further solidified Rathore’s path to premiership. With these developments, the PPP entered the session with strong numerical confidence.
Frequent Leadership Changes Continue in AJK
With about six months left in the assembly’s term, Rathore becomes the fourth prime minister to hold office in AJK within four years. The region has witnessed rapid changes in leadership, beginning with Abdul Qayyum Niazi’s election in 2021. He was replaced by Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, who later lost his seat due to a court ruling. Haq then took over before today’s decisive vote removed him.
As Rathore assumes office, AJK enters another political chapter shaped by shifting alliances and internal party dynamics.
