The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially announced a comprehensive boycott of the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, stating that the current political and security environment does not permit a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
Following a high-level meeting of its Core Committee, PTI described the decision as a principled stand in solidarity with the people of AJK rather than a political strategy. The party expressed serious concerns over the prevailing situation in the region, citing ongoing protests, alleged restrictions on political activities, and legal uncertainties surrounding the electoral process.
In its statement, PTI alleged that the use of force against demonstrators, arrests of political workers, restrictions on freedom of expression, and limitations on media coverage have undermined the credibility of the upcoming elections. The party argued that such conditions prevent genuine democratic participation and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Before reconsidering participation in the elections, PTI has demanded that authorities initiate immediate dialogue with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to address public concerns through peaceful means. The party has also called for a complete review of the current election schedule and the restoration of an environment where all political parties can campaign and contest freely without intimidation or administrative interference.
As part of its decision, PTI has suspended the recommendations of its parliamentary board and deferred the issuance of election tickets indefinitely, pending improvements in the political climate.
The boycott also comes amid an ongoing legal dispute over PTI’s registration in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The AJK Supreme Court has postponed hearing an application related to the party’s provisional registration, leaving the matter unresolved ahead of the July 27 elections. With the court entering its annual summer recess, the legal uncertainty is expected to continue until after the polls.
PTI maintains that meaningful political dialogue, legal clarity, and equal opportunities for all political stakeholders are essential prerequisites for holding credible elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
