Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry has died aged 71, according to the PPP’s media office.

The statement said that he passed away in Islamabad after a prolonged illness. It said that the funeral prayers would be offered tomorrow in his native village of Chichiyan, Mirpur at 3 pm.

The statement said that Chaudhry was elected the AJK prime minister in 1996 and the president in 2021. He was also elected nine times as a member of the AJK Assembly from Mirpur.

His death comes days before Kashmir Solidarity Day, which the nation observed on Feb 5 to reaffirm unwavering support for the relentless struggle of the Kashmiri people.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief at Chaudhry’s passing. In a statement, the premier said Chaudhry was a “wise and dedicated politician” who spent his entire life serving the people of AJK, Radio Pakistan reported.

He said that Chaudhry’s services to the Kashmiri people and his struggle for the Kashmir cause would always be remembered.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief over Chaudhry’s passing and prayed that he receive “forgiveness and a high place in heaven”, a statement from the Presidency said.

It added that President Zardari also expressed his sympathy to Chaudhry’s family, deeming his national and political services “invaluable”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was saddened by Chaudhry’s passing and hailed him as “a staunch advocate for the Kashmiri cause and its people”.

“His service to Kashmir and contributions to Pakistan will always be remembered,” he wrote on X.

Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani expressed grief over the death of the AJK president, saying Chaudhry was a “dignified and principled politician”.

“Chaudhry had a significant role in promoting the issue of Kashmir at the international level, and his services would be remembered always,” he said, adding his political struggle was a “beacon of the way for the upcoming generations”.

Gillani also extended condolences to the bereaved family.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also expressed grief at Chaudhry’s passing. According to a statement by the NA Secretariat, he paid tribute to Chaudhry’s “distinguished political and social services, particularly his invaluable contributions towards effectively highlighting the Kashmir cause at international forums”.

He said that the services rendered Chaudhry in advocating for the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people would always be remembered.