The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has announced its plan to form a new government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after President Asif Ali Zardari reportedly approved the decision to oust the current Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq. This move marks a major political development in the region, signaling PPP’s growing influence and strategic coordination at the national level. According to party insiders, PPP has already secured the required support to pass a no-confidence motion against the incumbent prime minister.
Decision Approved by President Zardari
The decision to form a PPP-led government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was finalized following consecutive meetings held under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The key meeting took place at the President’s House in Islamabad, attended by senior party members including Bilawal Bhutto, Faryal Talpur, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, and Qamar Zaman Kaira.
Sources close to the matter revealed that during this session, President Zardari gave the official green light to proceed with a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq. The president also agreed to finalize the name of the next AJK premier after thorough consultations with senior party figures and the regional leadership.
Bilawal Bhutto to Announce New AJK Government
According to sources, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is expected to make a formal announcement regarding the formation of the new government on Monday. The party has reportedly shortlisted two potential candidates for the top position in AJK: Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin and Chaudhry Latif Akbar. Both leaders hold significant experience and support within the PPP ranks, making them strong contenders for the prime ministerial slot.
Party insiders have confirmed that the PPP already has enough lawmakers on its side to successfully move and pass the no-confidence motion, even if the current AJK prime minister decides not to step down voluntarily. This political shift is expected to reshape the power dynamics within the Azad Jammu and Kashmir assembly.
PPP’s Internal Consensus and Consultations
Chaudhry Yasin, one of the key leaders from PPP AJK, confirmed that the party had reached a “final decision” to establish its own government in the region. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that all parliamentary party members had attended the internal meetings where comprehensive discussions took place regarding the strategy and leadership selection.
He further clarified that the final decision regarding the new AJK prime minister would be made by the central leadership, with Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expected to formally disclose the nominee. This process reflects PPP’s unified approach and adherence to party discipline in major political decisions.
Bilawal Bhutto’s Role and In-House Change Strategy
Earlier in the day, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari chaired a separate session with PPP leaders and AJK representatives. The meeting endorsed an in-house change through a no-confidence motion, solidifying the party’s plan to replace the existing leadership in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Senior leaders expressed full confidence in Bilawal’s strategy, acknowledging that this step aligns with the party’s vision to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure effective governance in the region.
Statements from PPP Leaders
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira also addressed the media outside Zardari House, expressing concern over the current political situation in AJK. He stated that while the situation remains worrying for all parties,the PPP has taken a democratic route to bring about a political change. Kaira further explained that the final announcement would be made after another round of consultations with President Zardari to ensure that all aspects of the transition are handled responsibly.
He also commented on reports that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has decided to sit in opposition, although he noted that no official communication has yet been received regarding their stance. Kaira emphasized that the PPP is focused on maintaining parliamentary stability and will only make formal announcements once the numbers required for government formation are secured.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
The PPP’s move to form its government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir carries major political implications. It signals the party’s intention to strengthen its presence beyond Sindh and reassert its position as a national political force. The upcoming days are expected to be politically charged as the no-confidence motion unfolds and the final decision regarding the new AJK prime minister is announced.
Political observers believe that PPP’s success in forming a government in AJK could also impact broader national politics, showcasing the party’s organizational strength and strategic leadership under Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The new administration in AJK, if formed, is likely to focus on governance, development, and improved coordination between the regional and federal governments.
The Pakistan Peoples Party’s decision to form a government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir marks a defining moment in the region’s political landscape. With President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s leadership, PPP appears confident in securing the parliamentary majority needed for an in-house change. As consultations continue and final nominations are decided, all eyes remain on PPP’s next move — one that could reshape the political direction of AJK in the coming years.
