MUZAFFARABAD – Political tensions have intensified in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) gave Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq an ultimatum to resign by 2 pm today. According to party sources, the PPP warned that if he refuses to step down, a no-confidence motion will be submitted against him in the AJK Assembly.
The PPP plans to nominate its own candidate for the position of the new leader of the house. Members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have agreed to vote for the PPP’s candidate, following directions from their central leadership. Once the new leader is elected, the PML-N will sit on the opposition benches, ending its brief cooperation with the ruling camp.
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The numbers in the AJK Assembly have shifted rapidly in recent days. The PPP now claims the support of 27 members, including 10 from the PTI forward bloc. Four PTI members remain in the opposition, while Prime Minister Haq’s camp holds around 10 votes. With 27 votes needed for a simple majority, the PPP appears confident it can form the next government.
Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq, however, has refused to resign and vowed to face the no-confidence motion. Sources said he is trying to rally support from smaller parties, including the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party and the Muslim Conference, each holding one seat. Political observers say the final outcome will depend on whether any of Haq’s allies switch sides before the vote.
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On Monday, the PPP and PML-N officially agreed to move a joint no-confidence motion against the AJK government. The alliance between the two rival parties has created a new power dynamic in the region. As the 2 pm deadline approaches, all eyes are on Muzaffarabad to see whether the AJK prime minister steps down or fights to retain power.