The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Friday nominated Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as its candidate for the office of Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and announced that a no-confidence motion against the incumbent premier would be submitted later today.

PPP leaders, speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, said the party had secured the numerical strength required to unseat the government and was “fully positioned” to form the next administration in AJK.

Former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said the decision followed internal consultations, adding that the party was confident of winning the vote.

“We are in a position to form the government. Our numbers are complete, and we do not need anyone’s support,” he asserted.

Ashraf said the PPP aimed to bring “ease and relief” to the people of Azad Kashmir and would pursue governance through collective decision-making.

He praised Rathore as an educated and capable young leader, and also credited Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for leading diplomatic efforts globally in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident.

PPP AJK President Chaudhry Yasin said the party’s roots in Kashmir dated back to Benazir Bhutto’s strong advocacy for the region, adding that President Asif Ali Zardari had consistently raised the issue of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination at international forums.

Yasin claimed the PPP currently commands “27 golden numbers,” which could increase to 40 if PML-N members join them.

He said the party’s position in AJK was “very strong” given the prevailing political conditions.

Ashraf confirmed that voting on the no-confidence motion would take place on Monday.

The formal nomination of a candidate and the imminent submission of the motion have intensified political activity in Azad Kashmir, with the coming days expected to shape the region’s immediate political future.