PTI announces boycott of Azad Kashmir elections

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a boycott of the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying it will not take part in the electoral process under the current circumstances, while reiterating its solidarity with the people and support for their democratic rights and right to self-determination.

Meanwhile, Former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas on Wednesday joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) along with several senior political figures, following a meeting with IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan.

The development marks a major boost for the party’s presence in Azad Kashmir politics, as key leaders formally announced their decision to join IPP and support its political and organisational agenda.

On the occasion, Azad Kashmir Agriculture Minister Chaudhry Ali Shan Soni also joined the party, while former Health Minister Ansar Anwar Abbasi and former adviser to the AJK Prime Minister Sardar Iftikhar Rasheed also became part of IPP.

Welcoming the new entrants, IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan said the inclusion of senior political figures would strengthen the party further and help expand its organisational structure across Azad Kashmir as well as other parts of the country.

Sardar Tanveer Ilyas and other leaders expressed full confidence in the leadership of Abdul Aleem Khan, saying they were impressed by IPP’s agenda focused on public service, good governance and national development, which led to their decision to join the party.

Political observers say the entry of prominent political figures from Azad Kashmir is a major gain for IPP and could reshape the region’s political landscape, potentially influencing future political alignments.

It is worth mentioning that Sardar Tanveer Ilyas had parted ways with the Pakistan Peoples Party just a day earlier after resigning from its basic membership.