Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, While some leaders are known for their positions of authority, others become well known because of their involvement in a particular cause; Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry is an example of the latter. His life’s story is intertwined with the fields of law & politics, and also includes a lengthy fight for Kashmir’s rights at both national and international levels.
Early Life & Education
Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry was born in 1955 in Chichian, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan; he was born into a politically active family that had discussions regarding human rights, governance and Kashmir. He displayed an early interest in law and public affairs.
Barrister Sultan travelled to the United Kingdom to attend university and earn his Barrister-at-Law (B.L) degree at Lincoln’s Inn in London. Barrister Sultan’s education in the legal field provided him with a solid foundation to begin his professional career as a politician who not only argued with passion but also had constitutional and legal clarity in his arguments.
Legal and Political Beginnings
Sultan Mehmood finished his schooling and returned to Pakistan where he would go on to practice both law and politics. Being a barrister gave him a good grasp of the different types of constitution, rights, governance, and the normal practices of international law all of which became a great help for him when he went on to explain the Kashmir issue beyond its own territory.
Sultan Mehmood became involved in partisan activities and represented ‘Mirpur’ in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly as a representative after being elected to this position for the first time in 1985.
Over the ensuing years, he was elected a further 9 times from this constituency; this is indicative of the high level trust and support he receives from his fellow countrymen, and his continued belief that they would support him when it came to achieving goals that would ultimately benefit the whole of Jammu & Kashmir.
Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir
Chaudhry Sultan Mehmood Barrister held the position of Prime Minister in Azad Jammu & Kashmir from 1996-2001 and during this time he became known for being politically visible and taking a hard line on all matters related to Kashmir.
While Prime Minister, Chaudhry Sultan Mehmood Barrister worked hard on:
- Elevating Kashmir internationally through various forums.
- Building up the institutions of governance in Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
- Promoting economic growth through developing the necessary institutions to support that growth.
As a result of everything he has accomplished, he has become known as one of the most outspoken Kashmiri leaders.
International Advocacy for Kashmir
He heavily engaged with the Kashmir issue as an advocate for Kashmiri self-determination and sovereignty by holding numerous meetings with foreign politicians and attending various conferences throughout Europe and America.
By informing the world about the human rights violations occurring in Indian-occupied Kashmir, he was able to keep the Kashmir issue in the forefront of international political and humanitarian discussions. His worldwide contacts gave Kashmir a diplomatic/legal representation outside of Kashmir.
Later Political Career and Presidency
The highest constitutional office of the area of Azad Jammu Kashmir was achieved by Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry in August 2021 when he was elected to the position of President of AJK. As president, he continued to promote and advocate for the cause of Kashmir, promote political stability, and represent unity amongst the citizens of AJK during his time in office
After being elected president, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry continued to advocate for the Kashmir cause, promoted political stability and unity among the people of AJK, and remained actively engaged in politics throughout his life.
Death and National Mourning
On Thursday, January 31st, 2026, at the age of 71, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry died after a long illness at an Islamabad hospital. His death marked the end of a distinguished political career that lasted for many years. According to the AJK Presidential Office, his funeral arrangements have been confirmed in Mirpur.
Political leaders throughout the country expressed their sorrow at his death. They announced that there would be three days of national mourning in Azad Kashmir. Friends of Barrister Chaudhry will miss him dearly for having always been a strong voice for the people of Kashmir; however, they will also remember him for being an incredible leader of all Kashmiri people.
Personality and Legacy
Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry is remembered as:
- A legal mind who understood both law and politics
- A devoted Kashmiri leader committed to his people
- A statesman who internationalized the Kashmir issue
- A seasoned politician with strong electoral support and experience
His journey from a law student in London to the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir remains a significant chapter in modern Kashmiri political history.
