The political atmosphere in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is currently marked by significant turmoil and uncertainty as a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq remains delayed. Although the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) claims it has the numbers to replace the current government, internal disagreements and strategic calculations have postponed the formal submission of the motion in the legislative assembly.

The delay stems largely from the PPP’s inability to finalize the nomination of a new Leader of the House, with reported internal divisions over potential candidates like Chaudhry Yaseen and Sardar Latif Akbar. Complicating matters, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while supportive of the motion, insists on holding early elections, which creates political tension regarding the timeline and power dynamics in the assembly. The current assembly’s term ends in July, and new elections are expected in March, but any government formed late would face limitations as powers wane two months prior to the elections.

This political deadlock unfolds amid broader unrest in Azad Kashmir, following months of protests in 2025 over economic grievances and demands for structural reforms. The strikes and demonstrations that erupted in late September, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with elite privileges, development delays, and governance issues. Violent clashes during these protests resulted in casualties on both sides, deepening the crisis of governance in the region.

As key political players negotiate behind the scenes, the timing and outcome of the no-confidence motion are watched closely, with analysts pointing to the next few days or weeks as critical for determining Azad Kashmir’s political future. The PPP’s strategic delay appears aimed at solidifying support and managing internal rifts before making a decisive move, while the PML-N’s stance underscores a preference for electoral legitimacy over in-house changes.