PPP's Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore takes oath as AJK PM 

Muzaffarabad (Web Desk): Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore took the oath of office on Tuesday, becoming the 16th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

His swearing-in came just a day after the PPP leader was declared the region’s new chief executive, following the removal of Chaudhry Anwarul Haq through a no-confidence motion in the legislative assembly.

The oath was administered at the President’s House in Muzaffarabad by AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, who officiated on behalf of President Barrister Sultan Mahmood.

The president was reportedly unable to travel to the capital due to health concerns.

Rathore now joins the list of frequent leadership changes in the region, becoming the fourth AJK premier in as many years and the 16th since the parliamentary system was instituted in 1975.

On Monday, the no-confidence motion against Chaudhry Anwarul Haq succeeded with the backing of 36 lawmakers from the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while two PTI members opposed it.

The AJK Constitution states that such a motion also serves as a vote in favour of the candidate nominated to replace the outgoing prime minister within the same resolution.

Soon after his election, Faisal Rathore unveiled several administrative plans, including a government downsizing effort, a revised transport policy for official use, and a decision to cap the number of secretaries at 20.

The newly elected premier also promised to address citizens’ concerns and prioritise the needs of lower-paid government employees.