MUZAFFARABAD / AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR:
The political turbulence in Azad Jammu & Kashmir has escalated sharply as a senior Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML‑N) leader publicly called on Premier Chaudhry Anwarul Haq to either resign immediately or dissolve the Legislative Assembly, warning that continued inaction could push the territory into deeper governance chaos.
Speaking at the Central Press Club in Muzaffarabad, the PML‑N leader highlighted the growing administrative paralysis, citing a demoralised police force, stagnant civil services, and the inability of the current government to effectively address law and order issues. “The police and administration are dispirited, and there is no one to listen to them,” he said, pointing to the widening disconnect between the leadership and governance machinery.
The demand comes in the wake of Premier Haq losing his majority in the assembly after multiple lawmakers publicly indicated their support for a no-confidence motion. The PML‑N emphasised that without decisive action — either voluntary resignation or the dissolution of the assembly — the institutional damage could become irreparable, undermining public trust in democratic processes.
Further intensifying the crisis, the PML‑N confirmed that two of its ministers have already resigned in alignment with the party’s decision to back the no-confidence motion. The leader criticised other ministers who, despite supporting the motion, continue to hold cabinet positions, calling it a breach of accountability. “They should have resigned first,” he remarked sharply.
Political analysts note that the standoff reflects deeper fissures within the AJK political landscape, where legislative uncertainty is increasingly spilling over into administrative dysfunction. Observers warn that if the deadlock persists, it could stall governance, disrupt public services, and escalate tensions within both political and civil institutions.
As the PML‑N doubles down on its stance, the spotlight is now firmly on Premier Haq’s next move. Whether he opts to step down, dissolve the assembly, or attempt to cling to power amid rising dissent, the coming days are expected to define the future of AJK’s governance and political stability.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.