Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially announced its boycott of the forthcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Elections 2026.
PTI stated that it stands with the people of AJK, but will not participate in the electoral process under the current circumstances.
The statement said that, under the current circumstances, the decision not to participate in the elections is not a political strategy but an act of principled solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Azad Kashmir is currently facing a severe political and humanitarian crisis.
The inner sources revealed that all recommendations regarding the distribution of tickets by the Parliamentary Board have been immediately suspended, and all matters related to the issuance of tickets have been postponed until further notice.
In view of the extraordinary circumstances, there will be no further progress at any stage in the ticket issuance process or other electoral activities.
PTI has said that the issues in AJK should be resolved amicably and that the election schedule should be reviewed to ensure a fair and equal electoral environment for all political parties. The party added that its political struggle for the democratic rights of the Kashmiri people will continue. PTI further stated that it will not take part in the electoral process unless a free, fair, and peaceful political environment is ensured.
On the other hand, former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, has officially announced his decision to join the Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) along with his close political associates. This development is being viewed as a significant shift in the region’s political landscape.
According to details, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas held an important meeting with the party’s President, Abdul Aleem Khan, during which they discussed the political situation, future strategy, and organisational matters. Following the meeting, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas and his associates decided to formally join the Utsharq Pakistan Party.
On this occasion, Azad Kashmir Agriculture Minister Chaudhry Ali Shan Soni, former Health Minister Nisar Ansar Abdali, and former Advisor to the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Iftikhar Rashid, also expressed confidence in the party’s current leadership and decided to become part of the Utsharq Pakistan Party.
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