The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has announced plans to submit a no-confidence motion against the current Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq. At the same time, the party nominated Faisal Rathore as its candidate for the region’s top executive post. This development marks a significant escalation in the political contest within the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
PPP Claims Strong Numbers for No-Confidence Motion
During a press conference in Islamabad, former Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, a senior PPP leader, said the party has the required majority to pass the no-confidence motion. We have complete numbers to table the motion and form a government in Azad Kashmir, he added.
Moreover, Ashraf described Faisal Rathore as an experienced politician capable of managing the assembly’s affairs efficiently. Rathore will handle legislative proceedings effectively, he emphasized, underlining the party’s confidence in his leadership.
Party Leadership Confirms Support Coalition
Chaudhry Yasin, President of PPP Azad Kashmir, explained the numbers backing the motion. He said the assembly’s golden number—the minimum required for a majority is 27 seats. Furthermore, the PPP, in alliance with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), enjoys support from 40 members.
Yasin stressed that Faisal Rathore is PPP’s official candidate for Prime Minister. However, he warned that forming the government will not be easy. This will not be a short-term or ceremonial government. It will require careful governance, he noted, highlighting the challenges ahead.
Timing and Response from the Incumbent
Ashraf said the party plans to submit the no-confidence motion on Monday. Meanwhile, Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq has rejected calls to resign and plans to fight the motion vigorously. Consequently, political uncertainty in Azad Kashmir has intensified.
The confrontation underscores ongoing tensions between PPP and the ruling coalition. Analysts also point out that such clashes often influence broader political dynamics in Pakistan, given the region’s strategic importance.
Political Context in Azad Kashmir
Azad Kashmir, a self-governing territory administered by Pakistan, has a 53-member legislative assembly. The Prime Minister is elected by assembly members and needs a simple majority of 27 votes to form a government.
Moreover, the region’s politics often mirror national party rivalries, with PPP and PML-N dominating the landscape. Over the past decade, PPP has tried to regain influence after losing ground to rivals. Thus, Faisal Rathore’s nomination represents the party’s effort to consolidate support and offer experienced leadership.
Implications for Governance
If the no-confidence motion succeeds, Faisal Rathore would become Prime Minister. This change could reshape policy priorities and governance approaches in the region. Additionally, the contest raises concerns about stability, as sudden leadership changes can affect development projects and public services.
Observers are closely watching the upcoming assembly vote. Its outcome could determine not only Azad Kashmir’s political direction but also influence the broader political scene in Pakistan.
