Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mehmood has passed away at the age of 71 after battling cancer for several months. He breathed his last on Saturday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Islamabad, where he had been receiving care for liver cancer.
Barrister Sultan’s death has been met with deep sorrow across Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s political circles, where he was widely regarded as an experienced politician and a prominent advocate for the Kashmir cause. His funeral prayers will be offered at 3:00 pm on Sunday in Khari Sharif, with political leaders, supporters and members of the public expected to attend.
A senior leader backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Barrister Sultan Mehmood was elected as the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in August 2021. He secured 34 votes out of a total of 52 in the AJK Legislative Assembly, reflecting strong political support at the time of his election.
Before assuming the presidency, Barrister Sultan served as PTI’s regional president in AJK and maintained a long and influential political career spanning nearly four decades. In the 2021 elections, he was elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly from constituency LA-3 Mirpur-III, marking his seventh electoral victory in nine general elections since 1985.
Throughout his political life, Barrister Sultan remained a vocal proponent of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and frequently raised the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) at national and international forums. His legal background and political experience made him a key figure in shaping AJK’s political discourse.
Despite his illness, Barrister Sultan continued to follow political developments closely and remained engaged with party affairs until his health deteriorated further in recent months. His passing marks the end of an era for AJK politics, where he was seen as one of the most seasoned and persistent leaders of his generation.
Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, party workers and supporters, who have praised his commitment to public service, his role in AJK’s political development and his lifelong dedication to the Kashmir cause.
Barrister Sultan Mehmood is survived by his family, supporters and a legacy of decades-long political service. His death leaves a significant void in the political leadership of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
