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Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore Sworn In as AJK’s 16th Prime Minister
Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore takes oath as AJK’s 16th prime minister after a successful no-confidence move. Promises progress, public engagement & renewed focus on Kashmir.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-18
Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore Sworn In as AJK’s 16th Prime Minister

Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore was sworn in on Tuesday as the 16th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a day after the region’s Legislative Assembly ousted former premier Chaudhry Anwarul Haq through a vote of no-confidence.

The oath-taking ceremony, held at the President’s House in Muzaffarabad, was administered by AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar. The speaker officiated on behalf of AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood, who was unable to attend due to health concerns.

‘A Heavy Responsibility’

Speaking after being sworn in, Rathore expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and acknowledged the magnitude of the responsibility. “I thank God from my heart for bestowing this heavy responsibility on my weak shoulders,” he said, adding that fulfilling these duties in such challenging times would not be easy.

He credited PPP President Asif Ali Zardari and Faryal Talpur for their support in forming the new government and strengthening the PPP’s position in the region. Rathore described AJK as the “basecamp” of the Kashmir freedom movement and vowed to advance the cause while ensuring development and progress.

The new premier paid tribute to the martyrs of the Kashmir struggle and soldiers defending the Line of Control. Reflecting on his family’s political history, Rathore recalled how Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had appointed his father, the late Raja Mumtaz Hussain Rathore, as senior minister in 1975 and later as AJK prime minister in 1990. He pledged to uphold the decades-long bond between his family and the PPP.

Bilawal: ‘Six Months Are a Test’

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressed the gathering, urging party workers and the public to unite. With AJK elections scheduled in six months, he directed regional PPP leader Chaudhry Yasin to begin preparations immediately.

Bilawal vowed that the PPP would govern transparently and remain connected to the people. “We will sit among the public, join their political struggle, and resolve their problems,” he said.

Calling the upcoming six months a “test,” he expressed confidence that the PPP would regain the people’s mandate and lead AJK again. He also criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “coward,” and accused him of attempting to undermine the bond between Pakistan and the people of AJK.

PM Shehbaz Reaffirms Centre’s Commitment

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Rathore via phone, assuring him that the prosperity of AJK remained a federal priority. According to state media, the prime minister promised full cooperation to the new AJK government in promoting economic development, welfare, peace, and security.

Rathore becomes the fourth AJK premier in four years, reflecting a period of political turbulence in the region.

No-Confidence Vote and Next Steps

The no-confidence resolution against former premier Chaudhry Anwarul Haq passed with 36 votes from PPP and PML-N lawmakers, along with support from two PTI members. Under the AJK Constitution, a vote of no-confidence automatically becomes a vote for the lawmaker proposed as successor in the same resolution.

Following his election, Rathore announced immediate administrative reforms, including a downsizing process, a revised transport policy for government officials, capping the number of secretaries at 20, and measures aimed at addressing public grievances and supporting low-paid government employees.
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