Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, has reportedly set a condition for his resignation, linking his departure to assurances over development funds and ongoing projects for his loyal ministers and assembly members.
According to sources, the AJK premier has demanded a guarantee for the continuation of ongoing development schemes initiated under his leadership. He has also asked for the release of pending development funds to ensure that his allied lawmakers do not face political setbacks after his resignation.
Political insiders reveal that the demand has created a stalemate in the ongoing discussions about leadership change within the Azad Kashmir government. Supporters of Anwarul Haq argue that his condition is justified, claiming it aims to protect the region’s stability and ensure that development work is not disrupted by political shifts.
On the other hand, opposition members have accused the premier of using development projects as a political bargaining tool. They argue that public funds should not be tied to individual political interests but should continue under institutional mechanisms, regardless of leadership changes.
The situation has intensified political tensions in the AJK Legislative Assembly, with several lawmakers now divided over whether the prime minister’s condition is reasonable or self-serving.
Meanwhile, the AJK government has not issued an official statement on whether discussions regarding his resignation are in progress.
This development comes amid growing political realignments across Pakistan-administered regions, where leadership changes and shifting alliances have become frequent. Observers believe the ongoing standoff in Muzaffarabad reflects the broader pattern of instability seen in regional politics.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s return from Riyadh after key talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also drew national attention, highlighting how Pakistan’s political and economic developments continue to influence Azad Kashmir’s internal affairs.
Read about PM Shehbaz’s Saudi visit and its regional impact.
If Chaudhry Anwarul Haq does resign, political experts expect a heated contest for his replacement, with multiple parties vying for influence in the AJK assembly. For now, his conditional offer has kept the political scene uncertain — and the power dynamics in Azad Kashmir in a delicate balance.
