PM Shehbaz Sharif Expresses Deep Grief Over Passing of AJK President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry

Islamabad, Pakistan – January 31, 2026
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed profound sorrow and grief on the demise of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, who passed away today at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness in Islamabad.
In his condolence message, the Prime Minister prayed for the elevation of the departed soul’s ranks in the hereafter and for patience (sabr-e-jameel) for the bereaved family and the people of AJK.
PM Shehbaz described Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry as a prudent and seasoned politician who dedicated his entire life to serving the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He said the nation has lost a great leader in the form of Barrister Chaudhry, whose contributions to the Kashmir cause and tireless struggle against Indian atrocities on the Kashmiri people will be remembered in history forever.
“Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry raised a strong voice against Indian oppression on Kashmiris throughout his political career. His services to the Kashmiri people and the Kashmir cause will always be etched in history,” the Prime Minister stated.
Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, a veteran politician from Mirpur, served as Prime Minister of AJK from 1996 to 2001 and was elected as President in August 2021. He was also a long-time leader in the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in AJK and was elected multiple times to the AJK Assembly.
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday in his native village of Chichiyan, Mirpur. The passing has drawn widespread condolences from political leaders across Pakistan, marking the end of an era for Kashmiri politics.