Timely elections in AJK sought: APC reaffirms support to constitutional continuity
ISLAMABAD: An All Parties Conference (APC) held in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming support for constitutional continuity, democratic institutions and the timely holding of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), while rejecting any attempt to undermine the constitutional and democratic process.
The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s House and was attended by leaders of major political and religious parties from across AJK. Participants discussed the prevailing political situation, constitutional matters and public issues facing the region.
The resolution, presented by AJK Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, was adopted by consensus. It emphasized that democratic continuity and constitutional processes remain the foundation of political stability in the region and pledged support for strengthening democratic institutions.
The conference reiterated its commitment to holding general elections for the AJK Legislative Assembly within the constitutional timeframe. Participants agreed that elections must be free, fair, transparent, impartial and peaceful, with all necessary administrative, legal and security arrangements put in place to ensure the public can exercise its right to vote without fear, pressure or interference.
The APC warned that any attempt to sabotage, delay or make the electoral process controversial would not be tolerated and would be addressed in accordance with the law.
Political leaders attending the meeting included Shah Ghulam Qadir, Chaudhry Yasin, Sardar Atiqur Rehman, Sardar Farooq Haider Khan, Sardar Yaqoob Khan, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Ahmed Raza Qadri, Maulana Saeed Yousaf, Yasir Abbas Naqvi and Dr Ilyas, among others.
According to the resolution, leaders of the Public Action Committee had also been invited to participate in the conference. However, despite waiting for their participation, they did not join the consultative process.
The conference also reaffirmed support for the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. Participants pledged continued political, diplomatic and moral support for what they described as the legitimate freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people.
The APC strongly condemned alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, including the detention of Hurriyat leaders and political activists. It also criticized what it termed Indian efforts to alter the demographic composition of the disputed territory.
Participants stressed that political differences are a normal part of democracy but should not be used to weaken institutions or disrupt governance. The conference called on all political, social and public groups to promote dialogue, tolerance and peaceful political engagement.
The resolution also acknowledged the role of national security institutions in maintaining stability in AJK and accused India of conducting organized propaganda campaigns through social media platforms aimed at creating mistrust between state institutions and the public.
The conference further paid tribute to Jammu and Kashmir refugees for their sacrifices in the Kashmir cause and Pakistan Movement. It described refugee representation in AJK’s political system as a historical and constitutional reality.
On constitutional reforms, the APC agreed that any amendments should be undertaken through the elected Legislative Assembly after broad-based consultations with political parties, bar associations, civil society and constitutional experts. Participants emphasized that constitutional reforms fall within the mandate of elected representatives and should proceed through democratic and institutional mechanisms.
The conference concluded by reaffirming that dialogue, constitutionalism and democratic institutions remain the only viable path for resolving political challenges, declaring that there would be no compromise on democratic continuity, constitutional reforms and state stability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026