PPP Secures Majority to Form AJK Government as PTI Forward Bloc Joins Ranks

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has gained a decisive edge in forming the new government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after multiple lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) forward bloc announced their support for the Bilawal Bhutto-led party.

The development comes ahead of a high-level meeting between PPP and PML-N leadership on Monday to finalise the structure of the upcoming AJK government. With 10 PTI legislators switching sides, PPP’s strength in the 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly has surged from 17 to 27 — the exact number required to secure a simple majority.

The lawmakers formally joined the PPP during a meeting at Zardari House in Islamabad, attended by Faryal Talpur, President PPP Women’s Wing and sister of President Asif Ali Zardari, along with senior leader Chaudhry Riaz. The defecting members include Muhammad Hussain, Chaudhry Yasir, Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq, Chaudhry Arshad, Chaudhry Muhammad Rasheed, Higher Education Minister Zafar Iqbal Malik, Faheem Akhtar Rabbani, Abdul Majid Khan, Muhammad Akbar Ibrahim, and Asim Sharif Butt.

Following the announcement, PPP leaders welcomed the new entrants and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the political and economic rights of the people of AJK.

Independent Move Without PML-N Support

Party insiders revealed that the PPP is confident of forming the government without the PML-N’s backing. Five of the new members reportedly belong to the Barrister Sultan group, three represent refugee seats, while two have opted to keep their affiliations undisclosed.

Talpur also hosted a dinner at Sindh House, Islamabad, for the newly aligned PTI members and PPP legislators from AJK. Senior PPP figures including Sardar Yaqoob, Tanveer Ilyas, Latif Akbar, Mian Waheed, Rathore, and Sardar Javed Ayub were also present.

The PML-N’s AJK leadership, however, announced that its lawmakers will not support any party and will sit on the opposition benches.

Political Numbers and Leadership Speculation

The AJK Assembly comprises 53 members, requiring 27 votes for a simple majority or a no-confidence motion. Presently, PPP holds 17 seats, PML-N nine, PTI five, while the Muslim Conference and Jammu Kashmir Peoples Party each have one seat. A 20-member PTI forward bloc further tilts the balance of power.

Sources indicate that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto is expected to formally announce the new government formation plan and unveil the nominee for AJK Prime Minister on Monday. Names under consideration reportedly include Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin and Chaudhry Latif Akbar.

PPP AJK Secretary General Faisal Mumtaz Rathore confirmed that the party has secured “more than the required 27 votes” to table a no-confidence motion against the incumbent premier, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq. Rathore added that a meeting with the PML-N committee is also scheduled to discuss the political developments.

He clarified that the PPP aims to form a lean cabinet, stating: “We are not seeking power for authority’s sake but to resolve the ongoing political crisis in AJK.”

Opposition’s Stance and Future Scenarios

Former AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, appearing on Geo News’ Naya Pakistan, said the PML-N would remain in opposition, stressing that AJK needs a strong opposition to maintain democratic balance. He noted that a stable government in the region requires at least 30–32 votes, not just 27.

Haider added that the sitting premier still holds the constitutional power to dissolve the assembly. “If Anwarul Haq had dissolved the assembly and called for early elections, it would have been a wiser move,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, former AJK PM and senior PPP leader Sardar Tanveer Ilyas said the party’s priority is to ensure political stability and uphold democratic norms in the region. He dismissed rumours of internal rifts, asserting that all PPP members stand united behind the party’s leadership.