Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday announced that it is boycotting the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, citing what it called the region’s deteriorating political and human rights situation.

In a statement, the party said it would not take part in the polls under the current extraordinary circumstances and would instead stand with the people of AJK.

It said the decision was not a political strategy but a matter of principled solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

PTI said the boycott would remain in place until normalcy is restored.

It said Azad Kashmir is currently passing through a severe political and humanitarian crisis, pointing to an ongoing sit-in by protesters in Rawalakot over their demands.

The party’s statement called for an immediate and fair resolution of Kashmiri grievances.

It alleged that the constitutional identity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was being undermined, that representative voices of the Kashmiri people were being suppressed, and that political workers were facing action and arrests.

It further alleged restrictions on freedom of expression and curbs on the media.

PTI said the electoral process loses its credibility and meaning in such an environment, and that the party would therefore stand with the Kashmiri people rather than contest the elections.

The statement demanded that issues raised by the Joint Awami Action Committee, banned by the AJK government under anti-terrorism legislation earlier this month, be resolved through dialogue, that its demands be addressed fairly, that the election schedule be reviewed, and that all political parties be given a free, fair and peaceful electoral environment.

PTI said it would not become part of the electoral process without such conditions being met, while its political struggle for the democratic rights of the Kashmiri people would continue.

The party also confirmed that all recommendations made by its Parliamentary Board on the distribution of tickets to candidates have been immediately suspended.

It said no further progress would be made at any stage on ticket issuance or the electoral process, and that all related matters would remain pending until the political environment is restored and the party makes a future decision.