Muzaffarabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has put forward Faisal Rathore as its choice for the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), party leaders confirmed on Friday.
Speaking to newsmen alongside senior party leader Raja Pervez Ashraf, PPP’s AJK president Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin announced the party decision.
He said the party’s chairman had decided that Rathore, who currently serves as the General Secretary of PPP in AJK, would be their official candidate for the top post.
Yasin added that the party intends to table a vote of no confidence soon, expressing optimism that PPP would form the next government in AJK.
“God willing, in the coming days, PPP will lead the government in the region,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Raja Pervez Ashraf highlighted Rathore’s credentials, describing him as a young, educated leader with extensive experience who has previously been part of the assembly.
Earlier, the PPP had indicated that several leaders, including Chaudhry Latif Akbar, Chaudhry Yasin, Rathore, and Sardar Yaqub, were being considered for the prime ministerial position.
Born on April 11, 1978 in Rawalpindi, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore is currently a member of the AJK Legislative Assembly and serves as the Secretary General of the PPP AJK.
Over the years, he has established himself as a prominent political figure with deep roots in the region's governance and political landscape.
Hailing from a distinguished political family, Faisal’s father Mumtaz Rathore, held several key positions in Azad Kashmir, including Prime Minister, Speaker, Opposition Leader, and Senior Minister.
This legacy has provided Faisal Mumtaz Rathore with an intimate understanding of Kashmir’s political struggles and the historical and institutional dynamics of Pakistan-AJK relations.
Rathore has been elected multiple times to the Legislative Assembly, reflecting both his popularity among constituents and his electoral strength.
He has held significant ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Power and Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, which have equipped him with hands-on experience in governance, development planning, and public service delivery.
Faisal's tenure in opposition has further strengthened his grasp of policy-making, accountability, and oversight mechanisms.
Since 2017, Rathore has been serving as the Secretary General of PPP Azad Kashmir, playing a pivotal role in organizational management, political strategy, and consolidating the party’s presence at the regional level.
Party leadership, including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Faryal Talpur, have expressed strong confidence in him. Known for his courteous, conciliatory, and non-controversial approach,
Rathore enjoys wide respect across political, public, and institutional circles. Recently, he was appointed head of a government-appointed negotiation committee in coordination with the Public Action Committee, highlighting his recognized skills in mediation and dialogue.
In addition to his political work, Rathore has experience hosting a private television program, further honing his media handling and public communication abilities.