MUZAFFARBAD (Kahmir English): Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, the former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has had his disqualification lifted today, and he will be able to run for office again in a month, according to the Supreme Court of AJK’s ruling, thereby restoring his political status.
The Supreme Court also concluded contempt of court proceedings against Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, bringing an end to the case that led to his disqualification. Additionally, the court disposed of his appeal against the AJK High Court’s earlier verdict, clearing the way for his return to electoral politics.
In April 2023, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas was found guilty of contempt of court and was disqualified for two years. The court’s ruling not only ended his tenure as Prime Minister but also led to the dissolution of his government. Following his disqualification, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s decision.
During the proceedings, he responded to the Supreme Court’s contempt notice by offering an apology, which played a crucial role in his case. His disqualification stemmed from a speech that resulted in simultaneous contempt notices from both the Supreme Court and the High Court of AJK.
With the most recent decision, the Former prime minister is now ready to return to politics, subject to the Supreme Court’s one-month eligibility requirement. As AJK gets ready for a possible comeback to public office, his reinstatement represents a significant step in his political environment.
The Pakistani businessman-turned-politician Sardar Muhammad Tanveer Ilyas Khan served as president of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Azad Kashmir from September 2021 to April 2023 and as prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir from April 2022 to April 2023. He was charged with a contempt case and disqualified from holding any public office for two years, according to the court decision of the time.
Recently, Illyas demanded senate representation for the Kashmir council and that the six members of the council be given representation in Pakistan’s Senate. Speaking to the media Ilyas emphasised that a member of the Kashmir Council is elected with the votes of 12 to 15 members of the Legislative Assembly, and their position should not be undermined.
