The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is voting today on a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq. The special session will begin at 3 pm, and Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar will chair the proceedings. Lawmakers submitted the resolution on Friday afternoon and pushed the motion forward with firm political backing.
PPP Positions Its Candidate for Leadership
The Pakistan Peoples Party has nominated Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as its candidate for the top office. Rathore also enjoys the support of PML-N, which has backed the motion without joining the government. The PPP aims to solidify its control in the region after President Asif Ali Zardari outlined the party’s new political strategy last month.
Strong Security and Restricted Access
Authorities have enforced strict security measures at the Assembly Secretariat, Ministers’ Block and Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Officials will allow entry only to assembly members and Secretariat employees. Accredited media personnel will gain access through issued passes. All lawmakers will enter the House together to maintain order during the crucial vote.
Political Realignments Strengthen PPP Bloc
The PPP strengthened its numbers when ten former PTI lawmakers joined the party on October 26 during a meeting at Zardari House. Muhammad Hussain, Chaudhry Yasir, Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq, Chaudhry Arshad, Chaudhry Muhammad Rasheed, Zafar Iqbal Malik, Faheem Akhtar Rabbani, Abdul Majid Khan, Muhammad Akbar Ibrahim and Asim Sharif Butt shifted their allegiance. Additionally, many PTI-backed lawmakers now hold independent status after PTI failed to complete required documentation for party registration.
Background of PTI Turmoil and Leadership Changes
PTI won the 2021 elections and formed the government under Sardar Qayyum Niazi. Imran Khan appointed Niazi as prime minister, but disagreements emerged when Niazi refused to resign. PTI lawmakers then tabled a no-confidence motion in 2022 and elected Sardar Tanveer Ilyas as the new premier. However, the court later disqualified Ilyas in a contempt case, which triggered internal rebellion. On 22 April 2023, Speaker Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq presided over a key session and became prime minister with support from 48 members.
Outcome Hinges on Majority Vote
The no-confidence motion needs support from 27 lawmakers for approval. The PPP claims support from 37 members due to its expanded alliance. If the motion succeeds, Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore will assume office as the 16th Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. This vote marks the seventh no-confidence move in the region since 1975.
