ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: The coalition partners — Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) — have reached the final stage of planning their move to oust the incumbent government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) through a no-confidence motion, signaling a significant political shake-up in the region.
The decision was cemented during a high-level meeting chaired by Asif Ali Zardari, attended by top PPP and PML-N leadership, including Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Sources privy to the meeting confirmed that both parties agreed on a unified approach to replace the current AJK setup with a new administration under the PPP’s leadership.
According to details, the PPP’s nominee for the new AJK premier will be announced following the party’s parliamentary session today. Under the AJK Interim Constitution Act, 1974, a no-confidence motion must include the name of an alternate candidate and is to be voted upon within three to seven days of submission.
The PML-N, while pledging full support to the PPP’s candidate, has decided not to join the new government and instead maintain its role as a supporting opposition force. This collaboration reflects the broader political coordination between the two ruling allies at the federal level.
Meanwhile, the AJK Planning and Development Department has reportedly suspended the release of development funds, a move widely seen as an attempt to pressure the existing administration ahead of the anticipated vote.
Political observers believe the upcoming no-confidence motion represents a strategic attempt by the federal coalition to restore control and stability in AJK, especially after months of political unrest and public dissatisfaction with governance. For Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, the path ahead appears narrow — resign, dissolve the Assembly, or face the assembly floor.
As the political temperature rises, Azad Jammu and Kashmir braces for another turbulent chapter in its evolving power landscape.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.