Raja Mumtaz Hussain Rathore was the 3rd Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. His tenure as a Prime Minister start from 29 June 1990 to 5 July 1991. He was from the village Pullangi (Dhara Rajgan) Tehsil and District Hevali,(Kahutta) AJK. His father was a landlord. His father died when Mumtaz Rathore was only five years old. His mother was a wise lady and provide full support to his son for his basic training and growth. He got his early education from his home town school Plangi and Government Boys High School Soli (Bangharbani) Hevali. Later on he got higher education from various cities Colleges and University of Pakistan i.e. Mirpur, Lahore and Karachi.
He belongs to the Rathore Family of Poonch, which migrated from Indian (Jodhpur) in the 15th century.
He started his political career during his student life by establishing Jammu & Kashmir National Student Federation first time and he was the founder Chairman of the Organization. After completion of his education, he started practice as a lawyer from Abbaspur (Hevali) and later on he was contested election 1970 first time and was elected as AJK Assembly member from Upper Hevali which was comprising from some part of Hajeera, Abbaspur and Upper Hevali on the Ticket of Mumlim Conference. When Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto established PPP in Pakistan and met with Raja Mumtaz Husssain Rathore from Kashmiri side. Bhutto sahib invited Mumtaz Hussain Rathore to join PPP immediately and establish PPP in AJK. On Bhutto Sahib request and desire Mumtaz Hussain Rathore Joined PPP and he was the founder member of PPP AJK Chapter. Col. Mansha Khan, Pir Ali Jan Shah and Raja Azad was the friends of Mumtaz Hussain Rathore of that time. Actually Rathore was also very much impressed from the personality of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and agenda of PPP because he was also believe on Democratic set up in Pakistan.
In 1975 election, Mumtaz Rathore was again elected on the ticket of PPP and became the Senior Minister of Khan Abdhul Hameed Khan PPP led Government. Number of other Ministries portfolio held including Finance, Forest, Revenue Minister in addition to his own assignment of Senior Minister in AJK Government. Since, 1970 he was continuously elected as Assembly member of AJK and always remain unbeaten. He was elected as Assembly member 6 times and never been defeated. He served as Prime Minister, Acting President, Speaker, Senior Minister of the state of Azad Jummu and Kashmir assembly. He was a democratic leader and followers of Zulfiqar Ali Bhuto Shaheed. He was never compromised on principles. He served the people of the Kashmir devotedly and with great sincerity. He was a great speaker and people listen his speeches with great desires. Kashmir independent struggle was started during his tenure of Prime ministership 1990-1991. He loved with Kashmiri and wants Kashmir freedom.He always raised his voice for the peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute according to the wishes and aspiration of the people of Kashmir. He highlighted Indian atrocities on Kashmiris during his address to UN and other international forum many times.
He remained President of PPP AJK Chapter and Member CEC of PPP. During Benazir Bhutto leadership, one time, his name was proposed/considered as Centreal Secretary General of PPP Pakistan due to his impressive personality and contribution for PPP. Number of times he has addressed in United Nation by presenting Kashmiri nation.
He was better contributed for the betterment of the depressed people of Kashmir. He gave respect to all segments of society. He was treating all human beings equally and never been nepotised and during his premiership, his door of PM House and Sectt. were always remain open for all public. For this reason the opponent of Rathore also praising Mumtaz Rathore and still praying for him. He was very honest politician of Kashmir. When he died there was no bank balance and other properties found for his family.
He left five sons and five daughters. Their names are Raja Masood Mumtaz Rathore, Raja Mahmood Mumtaz Rathore, Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Raja Haroon Mumtaz Rathore, Raja Daniyal Mumtaz Rathore. Masood Mumtaz Rathore the eldest son was once elected Assembly member of AJK after the death of Mumtaz Rathore from his native constituency (Hevali AJK. He is still working in PPP AJK. The younger son Raja Faisial Rathore is also actively working for the betterment of the people of Kashmir in order to continue coordination and friendship of his late father.
One first ever details book on the life of prominent Kashmiri leader Raja Mumtaz Hussain Rathore is also published by Raja Mukhtar Ahmed Rathore (writer) which comprises 500 pages and cover all Rathore family backgrounds/ achievements and services of Raja Mumtaz Hussain Rathore for the people of Kashmir. One coloured photographs chapter is also included which show the beauty of Rathore personality. Above 50 veteran politician of Pakistan including Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed,Mian Nawaz Sharif, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Makhdoom Amin Faheem, Raja Pervez Ashraf Federal Minister comments and views on the life and contribution of Mumtaz Rathore also endorsed. This book can be obtained by contacting the writer on his email (mukhtarrathore1@yahoo.com) This book title is "The King of Hearts". All segment of society including politician and general public praised this book and its prove that of course Rathore is still ruling on the hearts of thousands of people of Kashmir and Pakistan.
Mumtaz Hussain Rathore died on 16 June 1999 in Mehmood Gali Rest House (Hevali) due to his heart failure. Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan EX PM AJK, Abdul Rahsid Turbai Ameer Jamat Islami and one of very close friend of Mumtaz Rathore Rtd. Sub. Major Sardar Muhammad Kabir Khan from Rera Bagh as well as number of other politician were also present there at that time. He was laid to rest at his native village Pullangi (Hevali)inside his mother grave. Each year on May 20, late leader death anniversary observed and high number of people and high ranking leadership of AJK and Pakistan attend anniversary at his native town every year and paid rich tribute to Mumtaz Rathore. "JIAY RATHORE thousand years."