ISLAMABAD; The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has announced its support for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)’s no-confidence motion against Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq but made it clear that it will not be part of the new government.
The announcement came during a joint press conference in Islamabad on Monday, where Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah was flanked by senior PPP leaders including Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Qamar Zaman Kaira.
“PML-N’s parliamentary party has lost confidence in the incumbent AJK government,” said Rana Sanaullah. “We will back the PPP’s no-trust motion but will not join the new AJK setup.” He added that free and fair elections would be held in the region after the completion of the current assembly’s tenure.
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira criticised Prime Minister Anwarul Haq’s administration, calling it “part of the problem rather than the solution.” He welcomed the PML-N’s support, describing it as a step toward political stability in the region. “Both parties respect each other’s stance and share a common goal of restoring democratic balance,” Kaira said.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal clarified that the PML-N would sit on the opposition benches, adding, “If the PPP attains a majority in AJK, it will form its government.”
The AJK Legislative Assembly has 53 members, and a simple majority of 27 votes is required to pass a no-confidence motion if the sitting premier does not voluntarily step down.
The development follows the PPP’s claim of securing a majority in the AJK Assembly after 10 lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) forward bloc joined its ranks, raising its strength from 17 to 27 — enough to move the no-confidence motion.
The PTI defectors — including Muhammad Hussain, Chaudhry Yasir, Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq, Chaudhry Arshad, Chaudhry Muhammad Rasheed, Zafar Iqbal Malik, Faheem Akhtar Rabbani, Abdul Majid Khan, Muhammad Akbar Ibrahim, and Asim Sharif Butt — announced their switch during a meeting at Zardari House in Islamabad, attended by PPP Women’s Wing President Faryal Talpur and senior leader Chaudhry Riaz.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has completed consultations regarding his possible resignation, which may be submitted tonight or on Tuesday. Sources indicate that he and his allies may sit on the opposition benches following his departure.
Speaking informally to journalists earlier in the day, Anwar said that if anyone has the numbers, they are free to bring a no-confidence motion. “As long as I hold authority, I will perform my duties,” he stated, adding that he will address the issue in detail during an upcoming press conference.
Calling the no-confidence process “the beauty of democracy,” Anwar remarked that people would realise his worth after his exit. “I cannot burn the house I was born in,” he said, expressing calm confidence about his political future.
