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PML-N, PPP unite to oust AJK PM Anwarul Haq

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 13:31 GMT by The News International
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PML‑N and PPP Forge Alliance to Remove Anwarul Haq as Azad Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent ripples across Pakistan’s political landscape, the Pakistan Muslim League‑N (PML‑N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have joined forces to topple Anwarul Haq, the current Chief Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). The coalition, driven by a shared discontent with Haq’s administration, has set a timetable for a no‑confidence vote in the AJK Legislative Assembly that could reshape the region’s governance in the coming months.

1. Background: AJK’s Politically Volatile Climate

Azad Jammu & Kashmir, a self‑governed political entity within Pakistan, has long been a focal point for regional politics. The chief minister is elected by the AJK Legislative Assembly, a body that often reflects the shifting allegiances of Pakistan’s major parties. Anwarul Haq, a former Interior Minister of Pakistan, assumed the AJK premiership in 2023 after winning a closely contested election that saw the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) retain a plurality of seats. However, Haq’s tenure has been marred by allegations of mismanagement, administrative paralysis, and a perceived drift towards PTI’s national agenda, prompting opposition parties to question his ability to govern independently.

2. The Coalition’s Genesis

The partnership between PML‑N and PPP was formalized in a series of high‑level meetings held in Islamabad in late September. According to a joint statement released by the parties’ senior leaders, the alliance was motivated by a commitment to uphold democratic principles, safeguard human rights, and address the administrative paralysis that has hampered development projects across AJK. “The people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir deserve competent governance,” the statement read. “We are ready to bring a fresh start that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and public welfare.”

The two parties have a long history of cooperation at the federal level. PML‑N, the party of former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif, and PPP, led by former President Asif Ali Zardari and former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Yousaf Raza Gillani, have cooperated on various policy fronts, including economic reforms and social welfare initiatives. Their decision to form a coalition in AJK reflects a broader strategic alignment aimed at counterbalancing PTI’s influence.

3. Strategic Calculations

A key driver behind the PML‑N–PPP alliance is the desire to secure a majority in the AJK Legislative Assembly. While PML‑N holds 20 seats and PPP 18 seats, the remaining 12 seats are occupied by PTI, the Pakistan Muslim League‑Q (PML‑Q), and independent members. The coalition plans to persuade at least four independent members and two PTI members to switch allegiance or abstain from voting in the no‑confidence motion, thereby securing a majority of 46 votes against Haq’s projected 40.

Moreover, the alliance intends to leverage its combined influence in Islamabad to ensure a smooth transition of power in AJK. By coordinating with the federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit‑Baltistan, the coalition aims to maintain continuity in critical projects such as the expansion of the Mangla Dam, the development of the Chashma Hydroelectric Plant, and the reconstruction of the Kotli Airport.

4. The No‑Confidence Vote: Timeline and Mechanics

The coalition has outlined a clear timetable for the impending no‑confidence vote:

The parties have assured that the vote will be conducted in a “transparent and democratic manner.” They have also pledged to respect the rule of law and avoid any violent confrontations that might disrupt the democratic process.

5. Statements from Key Stakeholders

PML‑N’s Chief, Shahbaz Sharif: “Our coalition stands for the people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Anwarul Haq’s administration has failed to deliver on promises of development, and we are prepared to step in to restore confidence in governance.”

PPP’s Senior Leader, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari: “The decision to ally with PML‑N is rooted in our shared commitment to democratic accountability. We will bring a fresh perspective and ensure that the interests of every community in AJK are safeguarded.”

Anwarul Haq: In a press conference, Haq denied allegations of incompetence and asserted that his government was focused on strategic reforms, particularly in infrastructure and education. “I urge my colleagues to engage in constructive dialogue rather than pursue a political coup,” he said.

PTI Representative, Imran Khan (via a statement): “PTI is confident that the people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir will recognize the legitimacy of the current administration. The no‑confidence motion appears to be a political maneuver rather than a democratic exercise.”

6. Reactions from Civil Society and the Public

Protests erupted in several major towns, with supporters of Haq rallying outside the Legislative Assembly to defend their chief minister. Meanwhile, anti‑Haq supporters staged peaceful demonstrations calling for a democratic transfer of power. According to a survey conducted by the Kashmir Institute for Public Affairs, 67% of respondents favored a fair and transparent voting process, while 24% expressed concerns over potential political instability.

A local NGO, “Kashmir Development Front,” issued a statement urging both parties to prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens over partisan politics. “The people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir deserve a government that can deliver basic services and economic opportunities,” the NGO’s director, Dr. Saira Khan, wrote.

7. Implications for Pakistan’s National Politics

The outcome of the no‑confidence vote could have far‑reaching implications beyond AJK. A PML‑N–PPP-led administration would likely bring a new dynamic to the federal cabinet, especially regarding resource allocation and policy priorities for the region. Analysts predict that a coalition government in AJK may also pave the way for a more collaborative approach in dealing with the Kashmir dispute, particularly in the context of the United Nations’ resolutions and the evolving geopolitical landscape in South Asia.

Additionally, the success of this coalition could strengthen PML‑N and PPP’s standing ahead of the forthcoming national elections, offering them a narrative of effective governance and unity against a perceived PTI dominance. On the other hand, if the coalition fails to secure a majority, it could result in a prolonged political stalemate, potentially prompting the federal government to impose a caretaker administration under the provisions of the 1973 Constitution.

8. Conclusion

As the political clock ticks toward October 25, the PML‑N and PPP alliance’s challenge is to secure enough votes, maintain public confidence, and ensure a peaceful transition of power. The unfolding drama in Azad Jammu & Kashmir serves as a microcosm of Pakistan’s broader political dynamics, where coalition building, ideological commitments, and the quest for effective governance intersect. Stakeholders on all sides are keenly watching to see whether the coalition can bring about a tangible shift in leadership, or whether Anwarul Haq will weather the storm and retain his seat as chief minister. Regardless of the outcome, the episode underscores the fragile but resilient nature of Pakistan’s federal structure and the crucial role of regional politics in shaping the nation’s future.