Raja Mummtaz Hussain Rathore

Raja Mumtaz Hussain Rathore (d. 16 JUne 1999) was the third Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir from 29 June 1990 to 5 July 1991.

Jammu and Kashmir National Student Federation

As a student he founded the Jammu and Kashmir National Student Federation and upon completing his education became a lawyer. In 1970 he contested an election for the first time, as a candidate for the Muslim Conference, and became an AJK Assembly member for Upper Hevali.

Pakistan Peoples Party

Subsequently, and upon the suggestion of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, he joined Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). In 1975 he was elected as a PPP candidate and became the Senior Minister of the Khan Abdhul Hameed Khan PPP-led government. Portfolios held thereafter included Finance, Forests and Revenue Minister. He won five consecutive elections.

Assembly experience

He served as Prime Minister, Acting President, Speaker, Senior Minister of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir assembly. He was a follower of Zulfiqar Ali Bhuto Shaheed. The Kashmir independence struggle started during his Prime Ministership in 1990-1991. He spoke for the peaceful settlement of the dispute. He highlighted Indian atrocities on Kashmiris during his address to UN and other international forums.

Death

Rathore died of heart failure on 16 June 1999 in Hevali. He was buried in the graveyard of his mother at his native village of Pullangi in Hevali. Each year on May 20, his death is memorialized and attended by leadership of the state and nation at his native town.