AJK PM Anwarul Haq likely to resign today amid political upheaval

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwarul Haq is likely to resign from his post today, a source said, as the premier was earlier scheduled to hold a presser today at 3:00 PM.

According to sources, the Prime Minister may send his resignation to the AJK president later in the day. It was also learnt that his scheduled press conference is also likely to be cancelled.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has already announced to move a no-confidence motion against the prime minister on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, consultations regarding the future government formation in Azad Kashmir have entered the final stage. The government delegation will meet PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad today evening.

According to sources, the delegation will include federal ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Amir Muqam, and Rana Sanaullah.

It is pertinent to mention that PPP has claimed to have secured the required majority to form the government in the state.

Sources said that the PPP has received the support of four more MLAs, after which the total strength of the party has increased to 27. After this development, the path of a new government in Azad Kashmir has been paved, and the final decision is expected today or tomorrow.

Sources say that in charge of PPP’s Azad Kashmir affairs, Faryal Talpur, held various important meetings in Islamabad with Majid Khan, Asim Butt, Akbar Ibrahim, and Faheem Rabbani. As a result of these meetings, the PPP’s position has been further strengthened.

Five members of the Barrister Sultan Group and five members of the Muhajireen seats have also announced their support for the PPP, while the support of two members is currently being kept secret, sources said.

Meanwhile, Azad Kashmir Minister for Education Malik Zafar Iqbal has also joined the PPP after meeting Faryal Talpur. He has assured full support in government formation.