Muzaffarabad: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has finalized Chaudhry Yasin as its candidate for the post of Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), party sources confirmed on Wednesday amid reports of an imminent change in the region’s political leadership.
According to sources within the PPP, messages have been conveyed to the incumbent AJK Prime Minister urging him to resign voluntarily, with the party claiming to have secured the required majority in the Legislative Assembly to bring a no-confidence motion against him.
A source familiar with the development told that a close mutual associate of both the current Prime Minister and PPP leadership delivered the message, stating that the premier had “lost the confidence of the House” and should “step down gracefully.”
The party reportedly gave the AJK Prime Minister until October 28 to submit his resignation, warning that refusal to do so would compel the PPP to proceed with formal parliamentary action.
PPP’s Position and Internal Dynamics
Party insiders also clarified that Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry will continue to serve as President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, completing his constitutional term.
Sources added that a group of five members of the Legislative Assembly, previously aligned with Sultan Mahmood, has now formally joined the PPP, further strengthening the party’s position in the assembly.
The group is also expected to be included in the upcoming AJK cabinet if the PPP successfully forms the next government.
Background
The latest political maneuvering follows weeks of speculation about shifting alliances in the Azad Kashmir Assembly, where the PPP has been seeking to consolidate its influence after recent defections and inter-party negotiations.
Chaudhry Yasin, a senior PPP leader and multiple-term legislator, is widely regarded as a close ally of the central party leadership and has previously served as Leader of the Opposition in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
The AJK political situation remains fluid, with formal proceedings on the no-confidence motion expected in the coming days.
