Muzaffarabad: The political landscape of Azad Kashmir shifted on Monday as the Assembly voted out Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar‑ul‑Haq through a no‑confidence motion, paving the way for Faisal Mumtaz Rathore to become the region’s new leader.
The motion was tabled during a session chaired by Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar. It was moved by Sardar Javed Ayub, Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, and other members, who proposed Rathore as the alternative Leader of the House.
In the decisive vote, Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore secured 36 votes, while only two members opposed the motion. A simple majority of 27 was required for success. Anwar‑ul‑Haq, who had been elected in April 2023 with 48 votes, chose to face the motion rather than resign.
With this outcome, Rathore becomes the sixteenth Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and the fourth leader of the current Assembly. His oath‑taking ceremony is expected on Tuesday, with senior leaders of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) likely to attend.
Security was tightened in Muzaffarabad ahead of the vote, reflecting the tense political atmosphere.
The new government will immediately confront significant challenges. Implementing agreements made with the Action Committee is expected to be a major test, while addressing the PML‑N’s demand for early elections will add further pressure. Another hurdle will be keeping the cabinet limited to 20 ministers, a commitment that will require careful political management.
Observers say today’s vote marks a turning point in Azad Kashmir politics, setting the stage for new alignments and policy directions under Rathore’s leadership.