Muzaffarabad, October 27, 2025: Amid fast-paced political developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq is likely to tender his resignation tonight or by Tuesday, a private news channel claimed citing sources on Monday.
The development follows the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) success in securing a majority in the AJK Legislative Assembly after ten lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) defected to its ranks, raising the party’s strength from 17 to 27 — enough to form the government without the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
According to insiders, Anwarul Haq has completed consultations regarding his resignation and is expected to sit on the opposition benches with his allies. “If anyone has the required numbers, they should bring a no-confidence motion,” the premier told journalists informally, adding that he would continue to perform his duties as long as he holds office.
He described the no-confidence move as “the beauty of democracy,” remarking that people would realise his worth “only after he is gone.”
Sources said several cabinet members from Anwar’s government have also decided to back the PPP’s nominee for the next leader of the house. Meanwhile, the PML-N — a coalition partner of the PPP in the federal government — has decided to sit in opposition in the AJK Assembly.
Under the AJK Constitution, if the prime minister resigns, the president must convene the assembly within 14 days to elect a new leader of the house. The assembly, during its current tenure, is now poised to choose its fourth prime minister.
A no-confidence motion requires the signatures of at least 25% of the assembly members, along with the nomination of a replacement candidate. The 53-member house needs 27 votes for a simple majority to pass such a motion.
If the motion fails, another cannot be brought for six months. However, the incumbent premier retains the authority to dissolve the assembly — unless a no-confidence motion has already been filed. In case of dissolution, elections must be held within 90 days.
Currently, the PPP holds 17 seats, the PML-N nine, PTI five, the Muslim Conference and the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party one each, while a forward bloc of about 20 members holds the balance of power.
