The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by PDP Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in which all senior leaders of the party were present, a release issued by the party said.
During the deliberations, consensus emerged on the choice of Yash Pal Sharma, who is popular among all sections of the society due to his secular credentials, the release said.
Sharma, a native of Poonch district, is a known figure in entire Jammu province, has been active in politics for the past 50 years and has played an important role in various agitations launched from time to time in Poonch and Rajouri districts, it said.