ISLAMABAD: Political momentum is rapidly shifting in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Ten PTI lawmakers joined the PPP on Sunday. They were elected in the July 2021 general elections. Their decision has strengthened the PPP’s push for the premier’s office.
PPP lawmakers met Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari yesterday. They discussed options to remove incumbent Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.
New numbers shake the power balance
The PPP has now become the largest party in the 53-member assembly. It currently holds the support of 27 members. PML-N follows with nine members. PTI has five. Two regional parties hold one member each. Haq’s group of PTI renegades has shrunk to ten.
PPP lawmaker Chaudhry Qasim Majeed said the party could now replace Haq. He stated that the PPP is in a comfortable position to form a new government.
PTI lawmakers join PPP in Islamabad meetings
Majeed confirmed that the ten PTI lawmakers met Faryal Talpur at Zardari House. Five belonged to AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood’s camp. They include Yasir Sultan, Chaudhry Arshad, Chaudhry Akhlaque, Chaudhry Muhammad Rasheed, and Sardar Muhammad Hussain.
Later, Zafar Iqbal Malik also joined. Abdul Majid Khan, Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim, Asim Sharif Butt, and Sardar Faheem Rabbani followed. All ten defectors serve in Haq’s cabinet. Only the three refugee legislators had earlier announced cabinet resignations.
Decision on new PM remains pending
Majeed said PPP leaders unanimously decided to oust Haq. He claimed more lawmakers may join soon. The PML-N has opted for opposition benches. AJK Works Minister Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq said Haq will not dissolve the assembly.
