MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore and Leader of the Opposition Shah Ghulam Qadir on Monday agreed to complete the mandatory consultation process for the appointment of the new chief election commissioner (CEC) within one week, marking a rare moment of political consensus at a crucial time for the region.
The understanding was reached during a meeting held at Kashmir House in Islamabad, where the two leaders discussed issues of shared concern as well as the broader political climate in AJK. According to an official statement, both the government and the opposition emphasised that the process of selecting the CEC would be inclusive, with all political parties taken on board before a final nomination is forwarded.
During the discussion, the prime minister and the opposition leader also reviewed preparations for the upcoming general elections in AJK. They affirmed that the polls would be held according to schedule and pledged that their respective political sides would play a constructive role in facilitating an electoral process that is free, fair and transparent. Both expressed commitment to strengthening democratic norms by ensuring that the election arrangements meet constitutional and legal requirements.
Shah Ghulam Qadir, who was appointed opposition leader on December 1, assumed the role after ten opposition lawmakers — nine belonging to the PML-N, which he heads in the region — endorsed his nomination. His elevation to the position followed the recent change of government in AJK, which shifted the political landscape and prompted renewed focus on key institutional appointments.
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Soon after taking office, Mr Qadir formally requested the prime minister to initiate consultations for the CEC appointment, noting that the position has remained vacant since January. His letter set the stage for Monday’s meeting, which appears to have brought both sides closer to fulfilling a constitutional requirement that has lingered unresolved for nearly a year.
According to an official statement, the two leaders agreed that all political parties would be taken on board before a final name for the CEC is forwarded.https://t.co/BeYVGfCmkZ
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 9, 2025
Political observers view the agreement as a positive development amid heightened political activity ahead of the next general election. The timely appointment of a CEC is widely considered essential for ensuring the credibility of the electoral process, particularly as political parties prepare to begin campaigning.
With both government and opposition now aligned on expediting the consultation process, the coming week is expected to be significant in determining whether AJK can fill the long-vacant post and move toward elections with a strengthened institutional framework.
