Imran Khan’s PTI Boycotts PoJK Elections as Anti-Pakistan Protests Intensify

New Delhi/Rawalakot, July 3: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party founded by former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, has announced a boycott of the upcoming Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) Legislative Assembly elections, scheduled for July 27, citing the prevailing political situation and ongoing protests led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The move adds a new political dimension to the unrest that has gripped parts of PoJK in recent weeks.

PTI Announces Election Boycott

In a statement, PTI said it would not participate in the electoral process under the current circumstances, describing the decision as an expression of solidarity with the people of PoJK and respect for democratic principles. The party stated that it would reconsider participation only when a “free, fair and peaceful political environment” is restored.

JAAC-Led Protests Continue

The boycott comes amid sustained protests organised by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of traders, transporters, lawyers and civil society groups that emerged from protests over electricity prices and governance issues before expanding into a broader movement.

Authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir banned the JAAC in June under anti-terrorism laws following violent clashes, a move the organisation has opposed.

Rawalakot Sit-In Enters Fourth Week

Thousands of demonstrators have continued a sit-in at Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot, where protesters have raised slogans against Islamabad’s administration and accused the Pakistani government of political neglect, economic exploitation and administrative repression. According to the report, some protesters also alleged restrictions on the supply of essential commodities to pressure the movement.

During the demonstrations, JAAC leader Sardar Amman Khan criticised Pakistan’s policies in the region and made remarks challenging Islamabad’s control over PoJK, drawing significant public attention.

Background to the Unrest

The current agitation follows months of growing public dissatisfaction over issues including inflation, electricity tariffs, governance, unemployment and political representation. One of JAAC’s principal demands has been the abolition or reform of 12 reserved assembly seats for refugees, which the organisation argues are susceptible to political manipulation.

The PoJK Legislative Assembly has 53 seats, including the 12 refugee-reserved constituencies, and polling is scheduled for July 27.

Political Significance

PTI’s decision to stay away from the elections represents a major political setback for the electoral process in PoJK, given the party’s influence in Pakistan’s politics. The boycott is expected to intensify debate over the credibility of the upcoming polls and the political situation in the region.

The developments come as authorities continue security deployments ahead of the elections while protests persist in several parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.