Muzaffarabad: Lawmakers in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Monday elected Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as the region’s new prime minister. The vote followed a no-confidence motion against outgoing leader Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq that passed with a commanding majority.
Assembly officials said Rathore won 36 votes in the 53-member house, while only two lawmakers opposed him. The vote swiftly followed the successful ouster of Anwar-ul-Haq, whose support collapsed after weeks of political maneuvering.
Faisal Mumtaz Rathore’s Victory Speech
Faisal Mumtaz Rathore vowed to bring major reforms to Azad Kashmir, announcing that no government vehicle will be allocated to officials below grade 18. He emphasized transparency and accountability in governance, signaling a new direction for the administration.
Rathore expressed gratitude to senior political figures, including Asif Ali Zardari, Shehbaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto, while acknowledging the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. He admitted that some past decisions were mistakes but stressed his commitment to corrective measures.
He promised to introduce “Khuli Kacheri” sessions to hear citizens’ complaints directly. New PM AJK also confirmed that the long-discussed action committee has become a reality. Rathore highlighted personal sacrifices, revealing that he sold his father’s house to contest elections. He further announced that future elections will be fought on official party tickets.
Oath-Taking Scheduled for Wednesday
Rathore is expected to take the oath of office on Wednesday. Officials said Pakistan Peoples Party leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony, signaling strong political backing from national leadership.
The transition marks a significant shift in AJK’s political landscape as the new administration prepares to form its cabinet and outline policy priorities.
A no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq was formally tabled on Monday during a tense session of the AJK Legislative Assembly, setting the stage for a decisive political showdown.
Motion Tabled by Qasim Majeed
Assembly member Qasim Majeed presented the motion, prompting hours of heated debate as lawmakers weighed the future of the government. The motion marks one of the most serious challenges yet to Anwar-ul-Haq’s leadership.
Anwar-ul-Haq Responds During Debate
Speaking on the assembly floor, Anwar-ul-Haq said the situation could have been avoided if his political allies had consulted him. “If my friends had sought my advice, perhaps this motion would not have been necessary,” he said.
He reiterated his earlier promise to resign voluntarily if 27 members signed the motion. “I had said that if 27 members were complete, I would step down. When the number was reached, we waited to see who the groom would be,” he remarked, referring to speculations over possible successors.
Emphasis on Constitutional Responsibility
Despite the political turbulence, Anwar-ul-Haq said he held no grievances against anyone. “I have no complaint against any person,” he told lawmakers, adding that protecting the constitution was a collective duty.
He stressed that he had already made a personal decision not to dissolve the assembly. “I had decided that the assembly would not break on my signature,” he said.
Gratitude and Farewell Message
In a reflective tone, Anwar-ul-Haq assured colleagues that his bond with the public would remain intact regardless of the outcome. He also thanked cabinet members who supported the motion.
“My relationship with the people will not end,” he said, expressing appreciation for those who played a role in the process.
The assembly is expected to continue deliberations before taking a final vote, which could reshape the political landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days.
