The political crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) took a dramatic turn after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) decided to seek the disqualification of 17 lawmakers who had defected to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), amid an ongoing no-confidence move against Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.

PTI AJK President Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi and Leader of the Opposition Khawaja Farooq Ahmed have agreed to file references against the dissident members, accusing them of violating party discipline and engaging in floor-crossing.

Legal teams are currently finalising the documentation before submission to the relevant authorities.

Under Sections 30(3) and 30(4) of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Act 2020, any lawmaker who switches party allegiance may face disqualification from the Legislative Assembly.

According to PTI officials, a reference has already been submitted to the Speaker of the Assembly against four members, Akmal Sargala, Rafiq Nayar, Ali Shan Soni, and Shahida Saghir, who reportedly joined rival political camps.

The development comes after PM Anwarul Haq, who enjoys the backing of PPP and PML-N, refused to step down despite mounting pressure and the no-trust motion filed against him.

His refusal has further intensified the political standoff in Muzaffarabad, throwing AJK’s power landscape into uncertainty.