Pakistan's PTI to boycott Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections

The Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) announced it will boycott the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly election scheduled for 27 July. A party spokesperson said the decision, made “in the current circumstances”, is meant to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people and to demand a “just and peaceful political environment”.

PTI cited ongoing protests organised by the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a June 5 ban on the group under the Anti‑Terrorism Act, and a “crisis” marked by sit‑ins in Rawalakot. The party also alleged that food supplies to AJK had been halted from Punjab, a claim rejected by the federal government and the AJK police chief. PTI suspended all ticket recommendations and said it will not participate until the Kashmir issue is resolved.