PTI boycotts AJK elections, citing regional crisis

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its decision to boycott the upcoming general election in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The party stated it would instead stand with the people amidst the current political and social unrest, a move widely anticipated.

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Expressing unwavering solidarity with the aspirations, right to self-determination, and democratic rights of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the PTI has decided not to participate in the elections under the current circumstances.

Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi, PTI's regional president and former AJK prime minister, released a statement explaining the decision. He emphasized that the boycott is a principled stance, aligning with public aspirations for self-determination and democratic rights, rather than a political strategy. Niazi pointed to ongoing turmoil, including sit-ins in Rawalakot and other areas, and lamented lives lost due to government actions.

The party also highlighted the severe economic distress caused by the suspension of food supply lines from Punjab to AJK. Niazi urged for an immediate and just resolution to the public's problems, warning that current administrative measures are eroding AJK's constitutional and political identity. He expressed concern that an environment is being created to blur the distinction between liberated and occupied territories, which he believes damages Pakistan's Kashmir policy.

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In such circumstances, instead of pushing the Kashmiri people towards further political instability, an immediate and just solution to their problems must be found.

Niazi stressed that the electoral process loses credibility when citizens protest, voices are silenced, leaders are arrested, and freedom of expression is curtailed. The PTI will not participate in power politics while ignoring the Kashmiri people's voice, prioritizing basic human rights and a justice-based political process. The party's return to the democratic process is contingent on the restoration of normalcy, genuine redressal of grievances, and resolution of issues raised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), along with a revision of the election schedule for a level playing field.

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The PTI will not engage in the politics of power by ignoring the voice of the Kashmiri people.