MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): President of Azad Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, is reportedly set to meet President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, on June 28, amid speculation that he will join the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) along with his supporters.
Sources familiar with the development said that several government ministers and notable politicians from Azad Kashmir will join the PPP.
The political figures include government ministers Chaudhry Arshad, Chaudhry Yasir Sultan, Chaudhry Akhlaq, Chaudhry Rashid, Chaudhry Ansar Abdali, Sabiha Siddique Chaudhry, Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq, and Sardar Fahim Akhtar Rabbani.
Other notable figures include Sardar Muhammad Hussain, Malik Muhammad Zafar, and former government minister Chaudhry Muhammad Maqbool.
As per details, President Barrister Sultan held a meeting with Political Affairs In-charge of PPP Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Riaz, in Islamabad, where both discussed mutual interests and the latest political situation in Azad Kashmir.
President Barrister Sultan Mahmood started his political journey with the Azad Muslim Conference, later joined the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation League, and later left the party.
He later joined the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) twice and became the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir from 1996 to 2001.
After leaving PPP, he formed his party, the People’s Muslim League, before joining the Pakistan People’s Party. He joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 2015 and held the post of President of the State.
As per reports, some political analysts claim Barrister Sultan Mahmood might join the Muslim League-N instead of the PPP. However, sources close to him suggest a return to the PPP is likely.
