ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has agreed to support a no-confidence motion against Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq, signaling a major political realignment in the region, though the party has declined participation in any subsequent government formation.
Coalition Talks Finalize Strategic Support
The breakthrough emerged during high-level consultations between a PML-N delegation and President Asif Ali Zardari, where both parties discussed political dynamics and administrative challenges facing AJK. The Pakistan People’s Party formally extended an invitation to PML-N for governmental cooperation, which was partially accepted.
Support Without Participation Strategy
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, along with PPP leaders including former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Qamar Zaman Kaira, jointly announced the political arrangement. Kaira emphasized that while PML-N would back the no-confidence resolution, it would remain outside the new administrative setup.
Senator Rana Sanaullah reinforced this position, stating that the current AJK administration has failed to address critical public concerns, necessitating governmental change. However, PML-N will maintain its opposition role rather than joining the coalition.
Internal Party Discipline and Opposition Role
PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir declared the party’s transition to opposition benches, rejecting what he termed “unnatural alliances.” He warned party members against defying the official stance, threatening disciplinary consequences for dissenters.
“The PML-N will fulfill its responsibilities as a constructive opposition,” Qadir stated, acknowledging PPP’s democratic prerogative to pursue the no-confidence measure.
Political Background and Numbers Game
Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq, previously serving as Legislative Assembly Speaker, assumed office unopposed with support from 48 of 52 legislators, representing one of the region’s most broadly-based coalitions including PTI, PPP, and PML-N members.
Haq previously challenged opponents to pursue no-confidence proceedings, expressing confidence in maintaining majority support. The upcoming parliamentary showdown will test these claims as political equations shift in Azad Kashmir’s legislative chambers.
