PTI rejects AJK polls, demands fresh elections

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. The party has described the July 27 polls as unacceptable and demanded a judicial inquiry into the violence reported in the region.

PTI leaders also called for the cancellation of the remaining two phases of the elections. They demanded fresh elections across AJK in a single phase under an independent and impartial election commission.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan appeared alongside former AJK prime minister Sardar Qayyum Niazi.

The leaders strongly criticised the violence reported in Rawalakot, Mirpur and other areas. Multiple reports of deaths and injuries have emerged since Monday. Videos showing unrest have also circulated on social media, although the reported casualties could not be independently verified.

Both security agencies and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have reported casualties during clashes.

Niazi said Kashmiris were facing what he described as unprecedented oppression. He said the situation was particularly concerning because Kashmiris had historically supported the cause of accession to Pakistan.

He claimed protesters had attempted to resolve their grievances through negotiations. According to him, the situation deteriorated after their demands were not addressed.

Niazi maintained that the protesters were peaceful. He questioned the use of force against them and urged authorities to avoid further escalation.

He also criticised the decision to conduct the AJK elections in three phases. Niazi argued that the region has a relatively small population and questioned why the elections could not have been held on a single day.

He said the ongoing violence was damaging Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir issue. According to him, AJK is considered an important base for the wider Kashmir cause.

Niazi warned that the unrest could send a negative message internationally. He said Pakistan had previously highlighted alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir at international forums.

He argued that developments in AJK could make it difficult for Pakistan to effectively present its position on Kashmir before the international community.

The former AJK prime minister also rejected the portrayal of protesters as terrorists. He said the same people had previously been engaging with authorities through negotiations.

Niazi called for dialogue and urged the government to avoid further use of force. He proposed the establishment of a national government in AJK until conditions returned to normal.

He said free and transparent elections should then be held across the region, with PTI participating in the process.

Gohar also strongly criticised the July 27 elections. He alleged that the polls had failed to reflect the will of the people.

The PTI chairman said using force to silence protesters could not resolve political and public grievances. He argued that listening to citizens was a fundamental part of democracy.

Gohar criticised both the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for turning the election dispute into a political contest.

He said political parties should focus on the violence and reported casualties rather than exchanging allegations over electoral gains and losses.

The PTI leader also pointed to the low voter turnout. He claimed that the limited participation represented public dissatisfaction with the existing political system.

Gohar said the Kashmir issue was extremely sensitive and should not be used for political interests. He urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and resolve the crisis through dialogue.

PTI has now formally demanded a judicial investigation into the reported violence. The party also wants the remaining election phases, scheduled for August 2 and August 10, cancelled.

The party has further called for the resignation of the AJK government and the formation of a national government to manage the situation.

PTI wants fresh elections to be held across AJK in a single phase. It has called for the process to be conducted under the supervision of an independent and impartial election commission.

The party says dialogue should be prioritised to address public grievances and restore normalcy before a fresh electoral process begins.