President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is the constitutional and ceremonial head of state, elected by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly for a five-year term as per the Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Interim Constitution) Act, 1974. The current President, Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, assumed office on August 25, 2021.
Notable Past Presidents
- Sardar Ibrahim Khan (1947-1950, 1957-1959, 1975-1978)
- Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan (1956-1957, 1970-1975, 1985-1991)
- Sardar Masood Khan (2016-2021)
Roles and Powers
Although the President has executive, judicial, legislative, and emergency powers, these are exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister or the Cabinet. The President also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council.
Government Structure
Azad Kashmir follows a parliamentary form of government similar to the British Westminster system. The President acts as the constitutional head of state, while the Prime Minister, backed by a Council of Ministers, serves as the chief executive. The unicameral Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly is responsible for electing both the Prime Minister and the President.
Eligibility and Selection
- Eligibility: The President must be a citizen of Pakistan with good character, and must not have acted against the country’s integrity or opposed its ideology post-independence.
- Selection: Elected by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly for a five-year term under the Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Interim Constitution) Act, 1974.
Key Powers and Authority
- Executive Powers: As the ceremonial head of state, the President’s executive powers are exercised through the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, led by the Prime Minister and cabinet.
- Judicial Powers: The President appoints the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the High Court of Azad Kashmir.
- Legislative Powers: While the legislative authority primarily resides with the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the President has limited legislative powers.
- Emergency Powers: On the Chairman of the Council’s advice, the President can proclaim an emergency when the security of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is threatened by war, external aggression, or internal disturbances. During an emergency, the President has the authority to suspend citizens’ fundamental rights.
List of all presidents of Azad Kashmir
The following individuals have served as president of Azad Kashmir.
| Sardar Ibrahim Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 24 October 1947 Left Office: 12 May 1950 Tenure: 2 years, 6 months, 18 days Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Founding leader and the first President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He played a key role in the establishment of the region and in the 1947 Poonch Rebellion, which led to the creation of Azad Kashmir. He is often referred to as the “Father of Azad Kashmir.” |  |
| Ali Ahmed Shah | |
| Assumed Office: 13 May 1950 Left Office: 4 Dec 1951 Tenure: 1 year, 6 months, 21 days Party: Military Notable: Military leader during a transitional period in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s early history. He played a critical role in maintaining law and order during the formative years of the region. |  |
| Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah | |
| Assumed Office: 5 Dec 1951 Left Office: 20 May 1952 Tenure: 5 months, 15 days Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: A prominent religious and political leader in Jammu and Kashmir, he was known for his efforts to unite the Muslim population of the region and advocate for their rights. |  |
| Raja Haydar Khan (interim) | |
| Assumed Office: 18 May 1952 Left Office: 21 Jun 1952 Tenure: 1 month, 3 days Party: No specific party affiliation mentioned Notable: Served as an interim leader during a critical period of political transition. His brief tenure focused on maintaining stability and continuity in governance. |  |
| Sher Ahmed Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 21 Jun 1952 Left Office: 30 May 1956 Tenure: 3 years, 11 months, 9 days Party: Military Notable: Led during a period of military consolidation, overseeing important structural and administrative changes. He was instrumental in strengthening the administrative framework of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. |  |
| Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah (2nd term) | |
| Assumed Office: 30 May 1956 Left Office: 8 Sep 1956 Tenure: 3 months, 9 days Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Continued influence in regional politics, advocating for Muslim rights and autonomy. His second term was marked by efforts to bridge differences between various factions. |  |
| Sardar Abdul Qayyum | |
| Assumed Office: 8 Sep 1956 Left Office: 13 Apr 1957 Tenure: 7 months, 5 days Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Key figure in the political landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, known for his leadership and advocacy. He later became a prominent political leader and served multiple terms as President and Prime Minister. |  |
| Sardar Ibrahim Khan (2nd term) | |
| Assumed Office: 13 Apr 1957 Left Office: 30 Apr 1959 Tenure: 2 years, 17 days Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Continued his leadership in a second term, focusing on political stability and development. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen the region’s autonomy. |  |
| Khurshid Hasan Khurshid | |
| Assumed Office: 1 May 1959 Left Office: 7 Aug 1964 Tenure: 5 years, 3 months, 6 days Party: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation League Notable: Close associate of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and a prominent political leader, known for his significant contributions to the Kashmir cause. His tenure was marked by efforts to gain international support for the Kashmir issue. |  |
| Abdul Hamid Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 7 Aug 1964 Left Office: 7 Oct 1969 Tenure: 5 years, 2 months Party: No specific party affiliation mentioned Notable: Served during a period of political change, overseeing important administrative reforms. He focused on modernizing the administrative structure of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. |  |
| Abdul Rahman Khan (interim) | |
| Assumed Office: 7 Oct 1969 Left Office: 30 Oct 1970 Tenure: 1 year, 23 days Party: Military Notable: Interim leader during a transitional phase, focusing on maintaining continuity in governance. His tenure ensured stability during a politically volatile period. |  |
| Sardar Abdul Qayyum (2nd term) | |
| Assumed Office: 30 Oct 1970 Left Office: 16 Apr 1975 Tenure: 4 years, 5 months, 17 days Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Significant political influence and leadership in the region. He implemented several key development projects and was a staunch advocate for the rights of Kashmiris. |  |
| Sheikh Manzar Masaud (interim) | |
| Assumed Office: 16 Apr 1975 Left Office: 5 Jun 1975 Tenure: 1 month, 20 days Party: No specific party affiliation mentioned Notable: Served as an interim leader. He was the founding speaker of the AJK assembly and held the position of speaker for a five-year term. | |
| Sardar Ibrahim Khan (3rd term) | |
| Assumed Office: 5 Jun 1975 Left Office: 30 Oct 1978 Tenure: 3 years, 4 months, 25 days Party: Azad Muslim Conference Notable: Continued leadership for the third term. He focused on regional development and strengthening the political infrastructure of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. |  |
| Muhammad Hayat Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 30 Oct 1978 Left Office: 1 Feb 1983 Tenure: 4 years, 3 months, 2 days Party: Military Notable: Led during a period of stability, focusing on maintaining law and order and implementing development projects. |  |
| Abdul Rahman Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 1 Feb 1983 Left Office: 1 Oct 1985 Tenure: 2 years, 7 months Party: Military Notable: Continued military leadership, focusing on strengthening the administrative framework and maintaining stability. |  |
| Sardar Abdul Qayyum (3rd term) | |
| Assumed Office: 1 Oct 1985 Left Office: 20 Jul 1991 Tenure: 5 years, 9 months, 19 days Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Longest-serving leader with significant political influence. He was instrumental in advocating for the rights of Kashmiris and implementing development projects. |  |
| Muhammad Ishaq Zaffar | |
| Assumed Office: 20 Jul 1991 Left Office: 29 Jul 1991 Tenure: 9 days Party: Pakistan Peoples Party Notable: Brief tenure as a political leader. This unusually short period can be attributed to various political factors, which are common in the volatile political landscape of Pakistan. |  |
| Abdul Rashid Abbasi (interim) | |
| Assumed Office: 29 Jul 1991 Left Office: 12 Aug 1991 Tenure: 14 days Party: No specific party affiliation mentioned Notable: Interim leadership, focusing on maintaining continuity in governance during a transitional period. |  |
| Sardar Sikandar Hayat | |
| Assumed Office: 12 Aug 1991 Left Office: 12 May 1996 Tenure: 4 years, 9 months Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Strong political leader with significant contributions to Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s development. His tenure was marked by efforts to enhance infrastructure and economic growth. |  |
| Abdul Rashid Abbasi (interim) | |
| Assumed Office: 12 May 1996 Left Office: 22 May 1996 Tenure: 10 days Party: No specific party affiliation mentioned Notable: Interim leadership, focusing on maintaining continuity in governance during a transitional period. His brief tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the region politically. |  |
| Sardar Sikandar Hayat (2nd term) | |
| Assumed Office: 23 May 1996 Left Office: 11 Aug 1996 Tenure: 2 months, 19 days Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Continued leadership for a second term, focusing on regional development and political stability. Known for his contributions to the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference and regional politics. |  |
| Abdul Rashid Abbasi (interim) | |
| Assumed Office: 11 Aug 1996 Left Office: 25 Aug 1996 Tenure: 14 days Party: No specific party affiliation mentioned Notable: Interim leadership, focusing on maintaining continuity in governance during a transitional period. His brief tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the region politically. |  |
| Sardar Ibrahim Khan (4rth term) | |
| Assumed Office: 25 Aug 1996 Left Office: 25 Aug 2001 Tenure: 5 years Party: Jammu Kashmir Peoples Party Notable: Fourth term as a leader, reflecting his enduring influence in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. Known for his advocacy for regional autonomy and development. |  |
| Sardar Anwar Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 25 Aug 2001 Left Office: 25 Aug 2006 Tenure: 5 years Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Significant political leader with contributions to regional governance and development. Known for his leadership and efforts to promote stability. |  |
| Raja Zulqarnain Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 25 Aug 2006 Left Office: 25 Aug 2011 Tenure: 5 years Party: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference Notable: Important political figure with contributions to Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s development. Known for his leadership in the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference and efforts to strengthen regional governance. |  |
| Sardar Yaqoob Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 25 Aug 2011 Left Office: 25 Aug 2016 Tenure: 5 years Party: Pakistan Peoples Party Notable: Prominent leader with notable contributions to regional politics and development. Known for his leadership in the Pakistan Peoples Party and efforts to promote stability and governance. |  |
| Masood Khan | |
| Assumed Office: 25 Aug 2016 Left Office: 25 Aug 2021 Tenure: 5 years Party: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Notable: Distinguished diplomat and political leader, known for his significant contributions to Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s development. His leadership was marked by efforts to promote regional stability and international diplomacy. |  |
| Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry | |
| Assumed Office: 25 Aug 2021 Left Office: Present Tenure: Ongoing Party: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Notable: Current leader with significant influence in contemporary politics, known for his advocacy and efforts to promote regional development. |  |
The office of the President in Azad Kashmir has played a vital role in representing the region’s autonomy and aspirations on both national and international stages. Each president has contributed to strengthening Azad Kashmir’s governance, promoting the welfare of its people, and advocating for their rights. This list of Presidents highlights the leadership transitions and the dedication to progress and stability in Azad Kashmir, reflecting the importance of this role in the region’s political history and future direction.