The Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore Becomes New AJK Prime Minister After No-Confidence Vote has reshaped politics in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In his first address as the 16th prime minister of AJK, Rathore said he carries a heavy responsibility and will honor the trust placed in him by his party.
Rathore Promises People-Focused Governance
Rathore said his political journey is not one of flowers but of thorns. He acknowledged the Joint Awami Action Committee and said its presence and demands are a political reality that must be recognised.
He announced a plan to form a 20 member cabinet focused on public service. He promised to work day and night for the welfare of the people. He said a true people’s government has now been created in AJK.
Rathore said the doors of the Prime Minister House are open to citizens. He pledged to address public issues at their doorstep. He added that all ministers will remain accessible and available.
He said political leadership had weakened in recent months, which now creates a major challenge for governance. He promised to work with full commitment during the next six to seven months to restore trust.
Key Administrative Reforms Announced
Rathore said he has held negotiations with the JAAC leadership in Muzaffarabad. He said every secretary will be allowed to use one official vehicle.
He announced that the total number of secretaries will be capped at 20. He also abolished the positions of special secretary and senior secretary.
Rathore said driver posts will be upgraded to Grade 5. He said all Grade 1 employees will receive one month of additional salary as support.
No-Confidence Motion Brings Change in AJK
Rathore became prime minister after a successful no confidence motion against former prime minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq. The AJK Legislative Assembly elected Rathore as the new leader of the house during a session chaired by Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar.
The motion was tabled by Sardar Javed Ayub, Chaudhry Qasim Majeed and other lawmakers. Rathore was nominated as the alternative leader of the house.
During the vote, Rathore secured 36 votes. Only two votes were cast against him. He required a simple majority of 27 votes to win.
The no confidence resolution was submitted to the Assembly Secretariat on Friday. Twenty five lawmakers signed the motion, including 23 from the PPP and two from the PML N.
