ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) appears poised to install its own prime minister in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as the party leadership, including Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari, held separate meetings with regional lawmakers to discuss the possible removal of incumbent PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.
While the PPP released a statement saying the meetings focused on AJK’s “political situation,” insiders revealed that discussions centered on finalizing plans for a no-confidence motion against the AJK premier. Sources said the party had “almost finalized” the decision and was expected to make a formal announcement within the next two days.
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According to party sources, PPP leaders are also considering an “honourable exit” option for Haq before formally tabling the motion. The names of Chaudhry Yaseen, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, and Sardar Yaqoob have reportedly emerged as leading candidates for the top post. The PPP currently holds 17 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, while with PML-N’s support, it commands a majority of over 27 lawmakers — enough to form a new government.
The PPP had earlier decided not to remain part of the current coalition government but remained divided on whether to join the opposition or lead its own administration in the region. The recent meetings indicate that the party may now move decisively to form its own government.
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The discussions were attended by senior PPP figures including Raja Pervez Ashraf, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and Faryal Talpur, alongside AJK leaders. The party also reviewed ways to strengthen its organizational structure in AJK, particularly following recent unrest in the region, which saw violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement earlier this month.