MUZAFFARABAD, July 22: A no-confidence resolution against AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed was submitted in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly secretariat by two ruling Peoples Party (PPAJK) dissidents on Monday.

In order to fulfil a constitutional requirement, the resolution proposed the name of Barrister Sultan Mahmood, a top PPAJK leader, as successor of the incumbent premier.

“Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed has caused irreparable harm to Kashmir freedom movement, identity of the state, governance and developmental activities besides violating merit, ruining institutions, unlawfully distributing development funds and inducting favourites, instead of eligible persons, in the Public Service Commission,” read an excerpt from the resolution, submitted by Minister for Rehabilitation Abdul Majid Khan and MLA Mohammad Hussain Sargala.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Mahmood claimed that the move enjoyed support of around 17-18 members of the ruling coalition as well as the entire opposition, including 11 members of Muslim League-N and five members of Muslim Conference.

Late night reports confirmed that at least 10 cabinet members, including two from the MQM, had faxed their resignations to the prime minister.

They are Chaudhry Arshad, Afsar Shahid, Abdul Majid Khan, Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim, Chaudhry Mohammad Rasheed, Akhtar Hussain Rabbani, Azhar Hussain Gillani, Ali Shan Soni, Tahir Khokhar and Salim Butt.

According to AJK’s interim constitution, a resolution seeking no confidence against the prime minister has to be voted after three days, but not later than seven days from the date of its submission in the assembly.

Following its passage by a majority of the total membership of the assembly (currently 48), the person named as the successor assumes the office of prime minister.