Raja Faisal Rathore Sworn In as Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Raja Faisal Rathore Sworn Prime is covered in the report below.
Raja Faisal Rathore has officially taken office as the new Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), following a decisive assembly vote that led to the removal of Anwarul Haq. Rathore's swe
Raja Faisal Rathore has officially taken office as the new Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), following a decisive assembly vote that led to the removal of Anwarul Haq. Rathore's swearing-in ceremony took place on November 18, 2025, in Muzaffarabad, where he became the 16th individual to hold the position during the current assembly term.
Raja Faisal Rathore Sworn Prime: Ceremony Highlights
The oath was administered by AJK Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Lateef Akbar, with notable attendees including the governors of Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as prominent leaders from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) such as Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and senior politician Faryal Talpur. Rathore expressed his gratitude towards the PPP leadership, particularly President Asif Ali Zardari and Talpur, for entrusting him with the responsibilities of prime ministership. "I pay tribute to the Pakistan Army, who are defending us by sacrificing their lives," he stated during his address. Rathore emphasized the PPP's commitment to rebuilding relationships with the populace, assuring that the government's operations would be completely transparent.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Statements
During the ceremony, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari congratulated the citizens of AJK, proclaiming a restoration of political integrity in the region. He commended the exceptional political awareness exhibited by the people of Kashmir and acknowledged Rathore's awareness of the protests that had taken place, underlining that the new prime minister now holds their trust. "The promises Faisal Rathore made to you are a trust placed with me," he said, urging Rathore to address the public's concerns diligently and asserting that the government would not function from behind closed doors.
Bilawal also addressed Indian relations, emphasizing that Pakistan's position following conflicts with India was evident. He accused India of attempting to obscure its actions on the global stage and asserted that international audiences would not forget the military engagements involving the Pakistani Air Force. He communicated a strong message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring, "You have lost wars, and now you will lose your conspiracies too."
Support and Priorities from Federal Government
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a congratulatory call to Rathore following his election victory, reiterating the federal government's commitment to the upliftment of AJK residents. "We are determined to work with the AJK government for the welfare, economic development, and security of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir," Sharif stated, promising full cooperation.
Context of Rathore's Ascendancy
Rathore's election follows a successful no-confidence motion against former Prime Minister Anwarul Haq, which was supported by 36 lawmakers, including members from the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), while only two opposed it. This strategic maneuver was facilitated by the PPP, as they consolidated their influence following an earlier recruitment of 10 lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on October 26. Among these politicians were Muhammad Hussain, Chaudhry Yasir, and others, representing a significant shift in the political landscape of AJK.
With Rathore’s appointment, he becomes the fourth prime minister serving during the current assembly’s term, following Abdul Qayyum Khan, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan, and Anwarul Haq.
