PTI Boycotts Elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a complete boycott of the electoral process in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, specifically targeting elections in the Bagh and Haveli districts. The party's PoJK unit characterized the elections as "unconstitutional," "unfair," and "rigged," ordering all workers and office-bearers to remain aloof from the process.

Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi, the former Prime Minister and President of PTI PoJK, issued the directive and warned that any member supporting candidates or participating in the elections would face immediate disciplinary action, including expulsion. The party claims the election has already been rejected in the Mirpur and Muzaffarabad divisions.

The boycott is tied to an ongoing sit-in in Rawalakot and the deaths of unarmed Kashmiris during clashes with security forces. PTI demands that the government initiate immediate negotiations with protesters and take legal action against those responsible for the deaths before any electoral process is allowed to proceed.