No-Confidence Motion Against AJK PM Anwarul Haq to Be Submitted Today

A no-confidence motion against Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq is expected to be submitted today (Friday) in the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, as opposition parties join forces to unseat the premier.

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The motion is being brought forward by a coalition of the PPP, PML-N, and members of the forward bloc, who say they now command the numbers needed to remove the sitting prime minister. According to the PPP, more than 30 assembly members have pledged support for the motion.

Party leaders instructed their lawmakers last night to arrive in Muzaffarabad, with the motion slated to be filed at any time today, November 14. The document includes signatures from PML-N legislators and also names a proposed new candidate for the office of prime minister.

Next Steps in the Assembly

Once submitted, the AJK Legislative Assembly must convene within 3 to 7 days to formally present the motion. If the motion passes, a new prime minister will be elected in the same session.

The Assembly has 53 total seats, but one PTI member, Mohammad Iqbal, is in the UK and will not participate. This leaves 52 voting members, divided as follows:

PPP: 17

PML-N: 9

Forward Bloc: 10

PTI: 5

JKPP: 1

Muslim Conference: 1

Given the opposition’s claim of support from over 30 members, the government appears to be at serious risk.

Background

Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, elected on April 20, 2023, has faced heavy criticism during his tenure. Violent protests led by the Joint Public Action Committee earlier this year resulted in the deaths of nearly 20 people, including police officials, intensifying political pressure on his government.

PPP’s Candidates for Next PM

The PPP has shortlisted three strong contenders for the position of AJK prime minister:

Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin – Party President

Chaudhry Latif Akbar – Speaker, Legislative Assembly

Faisal Rathore – Minister for Local Government & Rural Development

The coming week is expected to be politically decisive for AJK as the region braces for a potential change in leadership.