Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry has died at the age of 71, according to PPP’s media office. The statement announced that he passed away in Islamabad due to a prolonged illness. It stated that funeral prayers would be offered tomorrow at 3 pm in his native village of Chichiyan, Mirpur.
The statement revealed that Chaudhry was elected AJK Prime Minister in 1996 and President in 2021. He had also been elected nine times as a member of the AJK Assembly from Mirpur.
Chaudhry’s death occurred just days before Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed on February 5 to reaffirm support for Kashmiri people’s relentless struggle.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief over Chaudhry’s passing. The statement from the Presidency said he prayed that Chaudhry receive “forgiveness and a high place in heaven,” commending his national and political services as invaluable.
Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani also conveyed his sorrow at the loss of AJK President. He noted that Chaudhry was an “administrator, dignified, and principled politician.” Gillani added that he had played a significant role in promoting Kashmir’s issue on an international level, emphasizing that his services would be remembered always. He extended condolences to the bereaved family as well.