AJK parties back timely elections, JKJAAC boycotts consultative meeting in Muzaffarabad

MUZAFFARABAD: Political and religious parties in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday reaffirmed their support for holding the Legislative Assembly elections on schedule and said any constitutional reforms should be carried out through elected institutions, while the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) boycotted an all-parties consultative meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Faisal Mumtaz Rathore at the Prime Minister’s House in Muzaffarabad and brought together leaders of various political and religious parties to discuss the political situation, constitutional matters and the upcoming electoral process in the region.

In a joint resolution, participants reiterated support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and condemned alleged human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution also criticised detention of pro-independence leaders and alleged attempts to alter the demographic structure of the disputed territory.

Leaders at the meeting stressed the need to preserve democratic continuity and constitutional governance in AJK, stating that political differences should not undermine state institutions or administrative stability.

They called for political dialogue, tolerance and peaceful engagement among all stakeholders to ensure stability in the region.

Participants also expressed support for national security institutions in maintaining order and raised concerns over what they described as disinformation campaigns aimed at creating distrust between state institutions and the public.

A key outcome of the meeting was a consensus that elections for the AJK Legislative Assembly would be held within the constitutionally mandated timeframe.

The resolution stated that authorities would ensure free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections, allowing citizens to vote without fear or interference. It warned that any attempt to disrupt or delay the electoral process would be dealt with under the law.

On constitutional reforms, participants said any changes must be decided through elected representatives in the AJK Legislative Assembly, while also recommending broad consultations with political parties, bar associations, legal experts and civil society.

The meeting also discussed representation of Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan, describing it as a long-standing constitutional and political issue that could be addressed through legislative reforms.

Meanwhile, JKJAAC, one of the region’s prominent protest movements, boycotted the meeting despite receiving an invitation from the government.

Read More: Lebanon announces partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel amid US-led diplomacy

In a letter addressed to the AJK prime minister, the committee said it had already rejected participation during earlier negotiations and would not engage in talks with stakeholders it described as part of an “exploitative framework”.

The group said it would continue to press its demands and urged authorities to implement an agreement reached on October 14, 2025.

JKJAAC has also announced plans for a long march towards the AJK Legislative Assembly on June 9, raising concerns over governance, constitutional reforms and public welfare issues.

The boycott highlights ongoing political divisions in the region, even as participating parties push for consensus ahead of the upcoming elections and constitutional debates.