The appointment of Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) has sparked controversy, with political activist Amjad Ayub Mirza calling it a 'scam' and a reflection of the region's 'collapsed political process'. In a recent interview, Mirza alleged that Rathore, the son of a former PoJK Prime Minister, is embroiled in serious allegations, including his alleged involvement in a 2013 gang rape incident at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Muzaffarabad. The case, which reportedly involved the son of then-President Yaqub Khan, was allegedly suppressed, and all evidence disappeared over time. The victim, a master's student from Jammu & Kashmir University, was lured to the hotel under the pretext of a job interview and assaulted throughout the night. The woman later informed her parents, who allegedly poisoned her to 'save themselves from shame,' leading to her death. Protests took place at the time, but the case was eventually buried, Mirza claimed, adding that Rathore's rise to the post of prime minister has reopened old wounds and anger among the public.
Mirza also questioned the legitimacy of Rathore's election, stating that the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had outlined in its 31-point declaration that 12 refugee seat holders in the Legislative Assembly are not permitted to vote. Yet, according to Mirza, these refugee members were allowed to cast their votes in the process that led to Rathore's selection. He warned that this violation is likely to trigger a major confrontation between the new prime minister and the JAAC, which has emerged as a powerful voice for public grievances in PoJK. The new prime minister has openly declared his priority to restore public confidence in political parties, as the JAAC has gained significant public trust due to widespread disillusionment with traditional political leadership. He also stated that relations between PoJK and Pakistan had weakened over the years and that he intended to strengthen them.
However, Mirza argues that Rathore's focus is not on serving the people of PoJK but on serving the interests of the political elite and Pakistan's military establishment. People in PoJK are frustrated with what he describes as an administrative-style political system in which leaders are appointed and removed without public participation. Mirza warns that public resentment is rising rapidly, particularly among students who have been staging protests over fee hikes across the region. Student unions, banned since the era of Zia-ul-Haq, are also becoming a major demand. Despite police action and assaults, students are likely to intensify their protests in the coming weeks.
Mirza further predicts security complications for India, stating that infiltration launch pads across the Line of Control are likely to become active again under the new political setup in PoJK. He warns that the region is heading toward a period of heightened instability, both politically and socially. 'His selection has once again discredited the political process in PoJK. People are growing increasingly frustrated, and the coming days are expected to see further unrest. I see trouble ahead in PoJK,' Mirza said.
