Islamabad: President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has passed away after the protracted illness at the age of 71. His funeral prayer will be offered at 3:00 PM today (Sunday) at Mirpur Stadium.

His death marks the end of a long political career closely associated with the region's governance and the PPP's organisational structure in Azad Kashmir.

Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry served as the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir from 1996 to 2001, a tenure during which he remained a central figure in the region's political landscape. His time in office coincided with a critical phase in AJK politics, during which he played an active role in administrative and political affairs.

In addition to his role as prime minister, he also held the position of President of the Pakistan People's Party Azad Kashmir chapter from 1991 to 2001. During this decade-long period, he was instrumental in strengthening the party's presence and organisational framework across the region.

Recognised as a key PPP leader in Azad Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry remained associated with the party for several years, maintaining influence within political circles due to his experience, legal background, and leadership roles at both regional and party levels. His political career started in 1983 when he returned back in Pakistan after completing law degree. First time he was elected member of the AJK Legislative Assembly in 1985. Kashmir issued remained the central point of his politics.

Barrister Sultan Chaudhry became the President of AJK after 2021 elections on the platform of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Later on his son Yasir Sultan was elected Member of the AJK Legislative Assembly on his ancestral seat. Recently Barrister Sultan had joined the PPP. Prior to this he was part of the PTI forward block. Due to illness Barrister Sultan was away from political activities and Speaker AJK Legislative Assembly Chaudhry Latif Akbar was performing responsibilities as acting president AJK.