MUZAFFARABAD; The political turmoil in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) deepened on Tuesday as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans to seek the disqualification of 17 legislators who defected to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The move comes amid an ongoing no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, who continues to hold office with the backing of the PPP and PML-N.
PTI AJK President Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi and Leader of the Opposition Khawaja Farooq Ahmed have reportedly agreed to file references against the dissident lawmakers for violating party discipline and engaging in floor-crossing.
Legal teams are finalising documentation before submitting the references to the concerned authorities.
Under Sections 30(3) and 30(4) of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Act 2020, lawmakers who change their party loyalty may face disqualification from the Legislative Assembly.
According to PTI officials, a reference has already been submitted against four members — Akmal Sargala, Rafiq Nayar, Ali Shan Soni, and Shahida Saghir — for joining rival political camps.
The situation has further intensified the political standoff in Muzaffarabad, as Prime Minister Anwarul Haq remains defiant despite mounting pressure from the opposition bloc, leaving AJK’s political future uncertain
