Anwar Khan, new PoK President

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, AUG. 1. Maj. Gen. (retd.) Mohammad Anwar Khan, who recently retired as the Vice-Chief of the Pakistan Army, is the new President of the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). His election was a foregone conclusion after the ruling Muslim Conference decided to field him as the candidate two days ago.

Reports from Muzaffarabad, capital of PoK, said Maj. Gen. Khan secured 30 of the 55 votes of the Electoral College.

Though PoK has a Constitution of its own and is considered a disputed territory by Pakistan, the military has always taken a keen interest in its affairs. PoK is politically and strategically important for Pakistan. A majority of the Pakistan- based militant organisations have operational bases in PoK and it is considered a vital point for infiltration into India.

The view that the Musharraf Government was keenly following the developments after the recent elections in PoK has been reinforced by the developments in the last two weeks. Last week, the military establishment ensured the take-over of Sardar Hayat Khan as the Prime Minister of PoK.

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Section  : International
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