The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has officially announced a complete boycott of the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for July 27. A spokesperson for the Imran Khan-founded party stated that the political group will not participate in the electoral process under current circumstances. The party emphasized that the decision does not target political gain or loss, but rather demonstrates solidarity with the Kashmiri people and respect for democracy.
Currently serving as the major opposition party in the federal government, the party links its election boycott directly to ongoing regional tensions. The spokesperson highlighted the massive protests organized by the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. Consequently, the party refuses to participate until authorities establish an independent, just, and peaceful political environment.
The regional government previously banned the action committee under the Anti-Terrorism Act following violent protests. The state enforcement of the ban occurred just days before a planned demonstration seeking the abolition of twelve legislative seats reserved for refugees. The opposition party claims the region faces a severe crisis as thousands of citizens continue to stage sit-ins across various sectors, including Rawalakot.
To prevent escalating political instability, the party demands an immediate resolution to the ongoing grievances of the Kashmiri people. The group also alleges that authorities completely halted food supplies from Punjab to the region, though the federal government and the local police chief strongly reject this claim. Meanwhile, the party’s parliamentary board has suspended all candidate recommendations and ticket issuances until further notice.
