Islamabad, November 14, 2025: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Friday formally nominated Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as its candidate for the office of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) prime minister, as the party moves ahead with a no-confidence motion aimed at unseating incumbent Premier Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, senior PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said the party had taken the decision after internal consultations and expressed confidence that the PPP was in a strong position to form the next government in AJK.
“We have the required numbers, so we do not need anyone’s support,” Ashraf said, adding that AJK “is very close to the PPP’s heart” and the party intends to bring relief and political stability to the region.
PPP AJK President Chaudhry Yasin said the Kashmir cause has always been central to the party’s ideology, noting that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto consistently prioritised it, while President Asif Ali Zardari has raised the right to self-determination of Kashmiris at all international forums. “PPP and Kashmir share a deep bond,” he remarked.
Chaudhry Yasin said the party currently commands 27 votes in the AJK Legislative Assembly, asserting that if members of the PML-N join them, the total strength would reach 40 — easily securing a majority. “Forming a government in Azad Kashmir is not a bed of roses but a crown of thorns,” he added, stressing the political challenges ahead.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf described Rathore as an “educated and experienced young leader” who would lead with consensus and stability. He noted that the PPP would “move forward in Kashmir like a rock” and resolve issues through consultation.
He also referenced PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s recent diplomatic efforts “over the Pahalgam incident” and said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also reaffirmed support for the people of Kashmir.
Ashraf confirmed that the no-confidence motion would be submitted today, with voting scheduled for Monday.
Meanwhile, sitting AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has decided not to resign and will contest the no-confidence motion in the assembly.
Who is Faisal Mumtaz Rathore?
Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, born on April 11, 1978, in Rawalpindi, is a senior leader of the PPP Azad Jammu & Kashmir and a multi-term member of the AJK Legislative Assembly. Currently serving as Secretary General of PPP AJK, he is widely recognised for his organisational discipline, political maturity, and consensus-driven approach.
Rathore hails from a distinguished political family deeply rooted in AJK’s democratic history. His father served as prime minister, speaker, opposition leader, and senior minister in Azad Kashmir. As part of a founding PPP AJK family, Rathore has been closely connected with the Kashmir cause and Pakistan–AJK political dynamics from an early age.
He has previously held important ministerial roles — including Minister for Electricity and Minister for Local Government & Rural Development — which provided him hands-on experience in governance and development administration. His time on both treasury and opposition benches has strengthened his political balance and strategic understanding.
Trusted by the central PPP leadership, Rathore has led several key negotiations, including chairing talks with the Awami Action Committee. His active presence on national media has enhanced his public communication skills.
Combining political legacy, legislative depth, executive experience, and a moderate temperament, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore is viewed by the PPP leadership as a strong and credible contender for the next prime minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
