The leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Tuesday signed the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq in the presence of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lawmakers. PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir and senior party leader Raja Farooq Haider signed the motion at Kashmir House in Islamabad. PPP leaders Chaudhry Riaz and Faisal Mumtaz Rathore were also present on the occasion. The signing of the proposal paves the way for its formal submission in the AJK Legislative Assembly Secretariat within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to several sources from various political parties. The move follows an evening meeting at the Presidency chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PML-N leaders Ahsan Iqbal, Shah Ghulam Qadir, Amir Muqam, Rana Sanaullah, Qamar Zaman Kaira and PPP’s Chaudh AJK President. During the meeting, sources said, the PML-N agreed to support the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Haq, but decided not to vote for the PPP’s candidate for the next prime minister. The party leadership specified that it would instead sit on the opposition benches.
"We will sit in opposition to contest the July 2026 elections against the PPP," PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir said. "Sharing power or voting for a PPP Prime Minister would be counterproductive for us in the upcoming polls." He stressed that the PML-N’s collaboration with the PPP was only limited to removing Haq from office. With the PML-N’s backing, the PPP’s strength in the 52-member AJK legislature has reportedly increased from 27 to 36, with sources claiming the number could cross 40 – more than enough to ensure the success of the no-confidence motion. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Haq spent Monday and Tuesday at his residence and signed dozens of development-related announcements across various government departments. He appeared composed as he met officials in the lush green courtyard of his residence. However, Haq categorically ruled out stepping down from office, promising instead to face the vote of no confidence. Without naming any party, he said, "Whoever has the support of 27 members in the assembly should stand up and put forward the proposal."
