Can Nawaz Sharif Become PoK Prime Minister? Here's What The Pakistani Constitution Says
Can Nawaz Sharif Become PoK Prime Minister? Here's What The Pakistani Constitution Says Published By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 20:00 IST Nawaz Sharif's bid
Can Nawaz Sharif Become PoK Prime Minister? Here's What The Pakistani Constitution Says Published By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 20:00 IST Nawaz Sharif's bid to become the Prime Minister of PoJK has sparked debate, as the region's Constitution bars him from holding the post. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said he wants to head the government in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) if his party emerges victorious in the upcoming Assembly elections. However, the statement has raised questions, as the region’s constitution does not permit him to occupy the post. Campaigning ahead of Monday’s polls, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader told supporters that he would request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint him as the Prime Minister of what Pakistan calls “Azad Jammu and Kashmir" (AJK). According to Nawaz, taking charge of the region would allow him to directly supervise its development and address local issues. Calling PoJK his “second home", Sharif said his family’s roots were linked to the region and assured people that he would remain connected with them regardless of the election outcome.
Constitution Makes the Promise Impossible Despite the announcement, Nawaz Sharif cannot legally become the Prime Minister of PoJK under the region’s Constitution. The law states that only a person who is domiciled in PoJK and is registered as a voter there can hold the office. Sharif belongs to Pakistan’s Punjab province and is not registered as an elector in the region, making him constitutionally ineligible for the position. He nevertheless told the gathering that even if the PML-N failed to form the government, he would continue visiting PoJK every three months to hear people’s concerns and raise their issues. Elections Amid Political Unrest The Assembly election is taking place amid one of the biggest waves of unrest the region has witnessed in recent years. Protesters demanding greater political autonomy have been demonstrating for weeks, leading to violent confrontations with authorities. Human rights groups and local reports have alleged that dozens of people have died, while hundreds have been injured or detained during the crackdown. Pakistan has also outlawed the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the organisation spearheading the protests, by invoking anti-terrorism laws.
The movement initially began over a demand to abolish 12 Assembly seats reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir who settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947. It has since expanded into a broader campaign challenging Islamabad’s control over the region, with protesters accusing the Pakistan Army of suppressing dissent and fuelling instability. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the constitutional requirements for PoJK Prime Minister? The Constitution of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) requires that a person must be domiciled in PoJK and registered as a voter there to hold the office of Prime Minister. Nawaz Sharif, who hails from Punjab, is therefore ineligible to become the Prime Minister of PoJK. Could Nawaz Sharif's statement impact PoJK elections? Nawaz Sharif's statement expressing a desire to become Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) if his party wins the upcoming elections has sparked debate. What is the Joint Awami Action Committee's main goal?
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