A major political transformation is unfolding in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerges as the leading force to form the new government. After months of political tension, administrative paralysis, and loss of public confidence, the decision-makers have finally accepted that the current setup led by Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has failed to deliver on governance, stability, and constitutional integrity.
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According to reliable political sources, the PPP now commands the support of 17 members of the AJK Legislative Assembly, in addition to backing from 12 Forward block and allied members. This development clears the path for the PPP to establish a stable and functioning government in Azad Kashmir, marking the end of Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq’s 30-month rule—one that has been widely criticized for inefficiency and internal division.
The End of the Hybrid System Experiment
The past two and a half years in Azad Kashmir have been marred by what many describe as a “hybrid system experiment,” where governance was driven more by personal influence and informal arrangements than by constitutional and legal principles. This experiment, now deemed a failure, created deep divisions within the state apparatus. The assembly, parliamentary party, cabinet, and bureaucracy all suffered from stagnation and uncertainty.
The result was an administration unable to deliver services effectively or maintain political harmony. Bureaucratic decisions were delayed, development projects stalled, and the general public grew increasingly frustrated with the absence of direction and accountability. The paralysis was so severe that political analysts believe its effects will linger for years to come.
Chaudhry Anwarul Haq’s Decline
Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, once considered a consensus candidate capable of bridging divides, became a symbol of political dysfunction. His inability to maintain balance among diverse political groups and his tendency to centralize power alienated both allies and opponents. Over time, his government lost legitimacy not only in the eyes of the public but also among the ruling elite.
When governance shifts from being rule-based to personality-driven, failure becomes inevitable. Observers now widely agree that his government’s downfall was not the result of a single political misstep, but rather a sustained disregard for constitutional norms and parliamentary traditions.
PPP’s Opportunity and Responsibility
The Pakistan Peoples Party, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the national level, now faces a crucial opportunity to rebuild the political and administrative order of Azad Kashmir. Party insiders suggest that the new government will prioritize restoring confidence in institutions, reviving stalled development initiatives, and fostering reconciliation among political and religious groups.
The PPP leadership has pledged to ensure that governance returns to constitutional pathways. “We aim to bring back stability, inclusion, and the politics of service,” a senior PPP official stated, emphasizing that the party’s focus will be on merit-based appointments and transparent decision-making.
Restoring Peace and Political Harmony
One of the most painful outcomes of recent years has been the erosion of social tolerance and the rise of political and religious polarization in Azad Kashmir. Long known for its peaceful coexistence and political maturity, the region has witnessed growing discord due to self-serving politics and institutional manipulation.
Political thinkers stress that restoring peace and fraternity must be the new government’s first priority. Without social harmony, even the best economic and political reforms cannot succeed. This calls for a joint commitment from all parties—including the PML-N and PTI—to put national interest above individual gain.
A Call for Collective Leadership
The fall of the current government is a powerful reminder that no political experiment can replace genuine democracy. For Azad Kashmir to move forward, political parties must reclaim their constitutional roles, ensure the timely functioning of institutions, and make decisions guided by public welfare rather than personal expediency.
The people of Azad Kashmir deserve governance rooted in transparency, justice, and accountability. The PPP’s rise to power comes with both hope and heavy responsibility—to unite a divided polity and set a new precedent for good governance in the region.
As this new chapter begins, the call for tolerance, political maturity, and responsible leadership echoes across the state. May Allah protect Azad Kashmir and bless its people with stability, prosperity, and lasting peace.
The PPP is set to form a new government in Azad Kashmir after the collapse of Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq’s hybrid system. Decision-makers admit failure and call for restoring democratic governance and social harmony.
PPP Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, Azad Kashmir politics, PML-N, hybrid system failure, AJK assembly, political change in Azad Kashmir, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, AJK government, Azad Kashmir leadership crisis
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