Deadlock over elections, no-confidence motion against AJK prime minister faces delay

The reason behind the delay in the no-confidence motion against Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has come to light.

According to sources, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders have yet to nominate an alternative candidate for the position of leader of the house. The party is reportedly expected to move the no-confidence motion only after Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari returns to the country.

Sources said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s demand for early elections has further complicated the situation. Nearly 80 percent of the AJK government’s development budget remains unspent. The current assembly’s term ends in July 2026, while the PML-N is calling for elections in March 2026.

If this demand is accepted, the new government would lose its powers in January, two months before the elections.

Sources added that the PPP would not be able to achieve its political goals in December and January, and its insistence on completing the assembly’s full term has reportedly led to the deadlock.