PTI yet to reach final decision on Azad Kashmir election boycott

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has yet to make a final decision on whether it will boycott the upcoming general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), as differences within the party over the issue continue.

According to party sources, PTI’s political committee had earlier decided that the announcement of an election boycott would be reviewed within seven days through a follow-up meeting. However, despite the completion of the seven-day period on July 9, no such meeting has been convened so far, leaving the party’s official position uncertain.

The disagreement primarily exists between PTI’s central political committee and its Azad Kashmir governing body. While the political committee had announced a boycott of the elections, the party’s regional leadership in Azad Kashmir has expressed a different opinion, advocating participation in the electoral process.

Sources said the Azad Kashmir governing body held a meeting on July 9, during which a majority of members recommended that PTI should contest the upcoming elections instead of staying away from the democratic process. Party leaders from the region reportedly argued that taking part in the polls would provide PTI with an opportunity to maintain its political presence and represent its supporters in the legislative process.

Despite this recommendation, the central leadership has not yet held the promised review meeting to reassess the boycott decision. As a result, uncertainty continues within the party regarding its strategy for the elections.

The issue has also attracted attention from the broader opposition alliance at the federal level. Opposition leaders have reportedly advised PTI against making a hasty decision to boycott the elections, emphasizing that such a move should only be taken after careful consideration of its political consequences.

Meanwhile, PTI Azad Kashmir President Qayyum Niazi has maintained that the current political environment is not conducive to holding free, fair and impartial elections. He has expressed concerns over the prevailing conditions, arguing that the existing situation does not provide a level playing field for all political parties.

The continuing differences between the party’s central leadership and its regional organization have delayed a final decision on the matter. Political observers believe PTI will need to resolve its internal disagreements soon, as uncertainty over its participation could affect its preparations for the upcoming elections.

For now, the party remains divided on the issue, with no official review meeting announced and no final verdict issued regarding whether PTI will participate in or boycott the Azad Kashmir general elections.