ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Azad Kashmir on Wednesday thoroughly discussed the potential successor of late President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, though it couldn’t reach a final decision in this regard.
An important meeting of the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Azad Kashmir parliamentary party was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad with President Asif Ali Zardari in the chair. The party, according to sources, decided to field its own candidate for the President of Azad Kashmir.
After the meeting, Sardar Javed Ayub, party’s Secretary Information and Minister of Government Azad Kashmir, while talking to a private TV channel said that the political situation in Azad Kashmir, the presidential election, and future strategy was discussed in detail during the meeting.
He said that President Asif Zardari reiterated his commitment to resolve the problems of the people of Azad Kashmir and assured the participants that discussions with the federal government on financial and development matters were continuing.
Javed Ayub stated that PPP Azad Kashmir will field its own candidate in the presidential election. “According to parliamentary traditions, the single-largest party has the right to bring the president, and we have a majority in the house.”
He said that consultations were ongoing regarding the no-confidence motion against the Deputy Speaker, and a final decision in this regard will be made after contacting other political parties.
He said that names have been sent to PM Shehbaz Sharif for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, and a decision is expected soon.
Presidential election
As per the Constitution, the presidential election should be held within 30 days.
Javed Ayub said that PML-N did not have a majority in the National Assembly, which is why the office of President was given to the PPP, while in Azad Kashmir, the PPP has a majority.
He informed that 27 members of the Azad Kashmir parliamentary party attended the meeting, while two members could not attend due to other engagements.
Fatiha was also offered in the meeting for former President Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry.
After the meeting, the name of the candidate was not announced, which suggests that the matter will be discussed further.
PML-N has also shown interest in the presidential post, and the Barrister group has also demanded the slot, but the PPP leadership seems determined to field its candidate.
