AJK PPP appoints seven new Public Service Commission members amid questions about timing just before its term ends.

The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, still in office after the 2026 legislative assembly term expired, issued a notification through the Services and General Administration Department appointing seven new members to its Public Service Commission (PSC). The appointments were made under Article 48(2) of the AJK Interim Constitution of 1974 and the AJK Public Service Commission Act of 1986. The appointed individuals came from the PSC's different quotas: three former senior civil servants—Munir Hussain Chaudhary, Dr Chaudhry Liaqat Hussain and Mohammad Zahid Abbasi—representing retired government servants; two former educationists—Dr Abdul Qadoos Khan and Dr Abdul Hameed—representing professors and former vice chancellors; one former additional chief secretary—Midhat Shehzad—representing women; and one retired medical specialist—Dr Mohammad Saleem Khan—representing professionals. Under the PSC Act, a new member must have at least a university graduation and a good reputation. Three of the seven members are required to have at least ten years of experience in teaching or administration. Each member will serve a three‑year term, receive prescribed pay and allowances, and take effect upon being sworn in. Shahid Mehmood Wani, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League‑N and a former election manifesto committee member, took issue with the timing. He said, "Without questioning the competence or credentials of the individuals appointed, the propriety of making such appointments at this stage is certainly open to question." He added that a government acting as a caretaker after its mandate ends should let the incoming elected government make long‑term institutional appointments. The PSC has previously faced criticism for delayed appointments and an opaque selection process. In May 2023, after the term of former chairman Air Marshal Masood Akhtar ended, the commission operated without a full complement for eight months. The PPP remains in office pending the continuation of the elections, but it has lost its majority. The PML‑N has emerged as the largest party and is poised to form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.