Islamabad: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has formally withdrawn from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government, announcing that it will now occupy the opposition benches in the Legislative Assembly.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir said his party would not take part in any attempt to form a new government, even if the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) tables a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.
“If the PPP moves a no-confidence motion, that is within their democratic right. But the PML-N will not be part of any unnatural or forced coalition,” Qadir declared.
“From now on, we will serve as a constructive opposition, ensuring accountability and working for the welfare of the people.”
No Alliance, No Defections
Reaffirming the party’s decision to maintain political discipline, Qadir warned that any PML-N member defying the official policy would face strict disciplinary action. He emphasized that the party remains committed to serving refugees and overseas Kashmiris while advocating for transparent general elections in the region.
“Only a fair electoral process can bring stability and legitimacy to the government,” he said, adding that the PML-N will launch a vigorous election campaign under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.
Qadir also pledged that the PML-N would continue playing a positive role in addressing AJK’s ongoing constitutional and political crisis.
Background: Fragile Political Alliance in AJK
The current AJK government, led by Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, has faced turbulence since its inception. Haq, a former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member, assumed office in April 2023 following the disqualification of Sardar Tanveer Ilyas for contempt of court.
He was elected unopposed as leader of the house after forming a 12-member forward bloc within PTI and forging an alliance with PPP and PML-N lawmakers. With the PML-N’s exit, the coalition’s strength in the assembly has now significantly weakened, raising questions about its future stability.
Backdrop of Recent Unrest
The PML-N’s move follows a period of violent unrest in AJK, where protests led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) left at least nine people dead, including three police personnel, and over 100 injured. The demonstrations, which paralyzed Muzaffarabad with widespread strikes and clashes, were sparked by grievances over economic privileges, refugee seats, and governance issues.
The crisis was eventually defused on October 3, after the federal government and the AAC reached a consensus on the committee’s 38-point charter of demands, easing tensions in the region.
Looking Ahead
With the PML-N stepping into opposition and distancing itself from the ruling bloc, AJK’s political scene is set for a fresh round of realignments ahead of the next elections. Analysts say the party’s decision underscores a strategic effort to regain political footing and reconnect with voters amid growing discontent in the region.
