MUZAFFARABAD: Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas on Friday predicted that the ouster of his successor, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, was only a matter of weeks, citing the “irreparable damage” he had allegedly inflicted on the region’s political system and Pakistan’s interests.

“One may have differences with a political party, but the existence of political parties is essential for democracy and the security of the state… Ironically, the sitting prime minister is bent upon eroding political parties to prolong his stay in power,” he remarked during an interaction with a select group of journalists here.

Mr Ilyas, who is regional head of Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party, was accompanied by AJK Council member Sardar Adnan Khalid and his political adviser Sardar Iftikhar Rasheed and scores of workers.

He was of the view that under the current dispensation, both thePML-N and PPPhad suffered setbacks, “though their central leadership may have chosen to compromise.” Similarly, he claimed that members of the so-calledPTI forward bloc, who had distanced themselves from their parent party, were also feeling betrayed.

He further alleged that when the regionalPML-N leadershiprecently decided to withdraw from the coalition government, Mr Haq resorted to creating factions within the party to cling to power.

“He [Mr Haq] follows a ‘divide and rule’ strategy, but his game is over now. Everyone has realized that his removal is not just crucial for their political survival but also for the stability of the state itself,” he asserted.

Referring to past political transitions in AJK, Mr Ilyas pointed out that the last two government changes had occurred duringRamazan. “Since Ramazan is around the corner, one cannot rule out a third change,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

“Let me tell you,elections will be held on time, but not under the administration of Chaudhry Anwarul Haq,” he added.

In response to a question, Mr Ilyas said that theUN Chartergranted the oppressed Kashmiris the right to employ all forms of struggle to free themselves fromIndia’s unlawful occupation. The former premier also laudedChief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir’sunequivocal stance on theKashmir issue, as reiterated during his recent interaction with notables inMuzaffarabad on Kashmir Solidarity Day.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2025