Azad Jammu & Kashmir is entering a new political phase, and the nomination of Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has brought renewed interest in his background, experience, and leadership style. At a time when governance, public expectations and political coordination are major concerns, observers see him as a calm and steady figure who has steadily worked his way through the political system with consistency and maturity.
Early Life and Family Background
Faisal Mumtaz Rathore was born on 11 April 1978 in Rawalpindi to one of AJK’s most respected political families. He is the son of Mumtaz Hussain Rathore, a former Prime Minister, Speaker, Senior Minister and Leader of the Opposition, a figure closely associated with the democratic history of Azad Kashmir. His mother, Begum Farhat Rathore, also served as a member of the Legislative Assembly and headed the PPP Women’s Wing in AJK. The Rathore family is considered among the original political foundations of the PPP in the region.
Political and Legislative Journey
Faisal first contested elections in 2006 and later built a strong parliamentary career by winning seats in the 2011 and 2021 general elections. Over the years, he has served in important cabinet positions, including the Minister for Electricity and Minister for Local Government & Rural Development, roles that gave him hands-on experience with development projects, governance challenges and public service delivery. In 2023, he joined the coalition government and continued working on administrative reforms and rural development.
Party Leadership and Negotiation Roles
Since 2017, Faisal has been serving as the Secretary General of PPP AJK, responsible for organisation, coordination and strategy across the region. He enjoys the trust of the central leadership and is known for representing the ideological and middle-class base of the party. His role as Head of the Government Negotiation Committee strengthened his reputation as a steady communicator capable of handling sensitive public issues and engaging with protest movements responsibly.
Public Image and Communication
Widely recognised for his soft-spoken, calm and non-controversial style, Faisal has maintained strong ties across political, public and institutional spheres. His experience as a television host at BOL Tv added to his confidence in public communication and media engagement.
Other Strong Names in Consideration
Alongside Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, three other senior PPP leaders remain highly respected and viewed as favourable options in the political landscape: Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, a seasoned parliamentarian with decades of electoral experience; Chaudhry Latif Akbar, a long-serving legislator and current Speaker known for his legal and administrative background; and Sardar Yaqoob Khan, a prominent political figure with a strong support base. These leaders are widely regarded as capable and influential in their own right.
With credibility, experience and a grounded approach, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore appears as a highly favourable option for AJK’s next chapter of stable and inclusive leadership.
