PTI questions credibility of AJK elections marred by low voter turnout

ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday questioned the credibility of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, claiming that low voter turnout at polling stations reflected a lack of public confidence in the electoral process.

In a statement issued after the first phase of polling concluded, the party, which had already announced a boycott of the elections, alleged that many people had chosen to protest on the streets for their rights rather than participate in the electoral exercise.

PTI said the ruling parties had lost public confidence and reiterated its position that free, fair and transparent elections were not possible under the prevailing circumstances.

“The absence of the country’s largest political party from the electoral process has raised serious questions over the credibility of the elections,” the party said.

It alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) were focused on a “distribution of power” instead of addressing public concerns, arguing that elections held without public confidence, transparency and genuine political representation could not strengthen democracy.

The party maintained that the outcome of such an electoral process could not be regarded as a true reflection of the people’s will, adding that low voter participation and public protests in parts of AJK had sent a clear message about public sentiment.

Calling for an electoral framework that ensured equal opportunities for all political parties, PTI said genuine democracy required transparent institutions, an impartial election process and a level playing field that enabled voters to exercise their democratic rights freely.

Meanwhile, results began trickling in on Monday evening after polling concluded in the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. Polling, originally scheduled to conclude at 5pm, continued until 6pm after the Election Commission extended voting by one hour.

A total of 296 candidates, including nominees of the PPP, PML-N, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and independent candidates, contested seats in the districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber.

According to AJK election officials, 1,401,439 registered voters – comprising 725,118 men and 675,628 women – were eligible to cast their ballots in the first phase.

The AJK Election Commission established 2,454 polling stations across Mirpur Division, including 597 in the four constituencies of Mirpur district, 1,107 in six constituencies of Kotli district and 608 in three constituencies of Bhimber district.

The first phase of polling covered the three districts of Mirpur Division, with voting for the remaining constituencies to be held in subsequent phases under the election schedule.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026