The Pakistan People's Party (PPP), buoyed by its recent victory in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, has announced an extensive list of candidates for the upcoming Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. The party anticipates benefiting from the boycott declared by the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI), which has decided not to participate in the electoral process.
PTI Boycott and Political Landscape
PTI announced it would not contest the AJK elections, arguing that the prevailing political and human rights situation in the region does not permit a credible democratic exercise. The party described its decision as principled, stating it preferred to stand alongside the people of Kashmir rather than participate in an election held under what it termed “extraordinary circumstances.” PTI’s withdrawal has significantly altered the electoral equation, creating an opportunity for rival political parties to consolidate support.
“We want all parties to contest but we expect many PTI voters to support us if they boycott,” said a senior PPP leader. Another PPP leader added that the party was in contact with all parties for “political cooperation.” He noted, “Like the IPP joined us in GB and the PML-N also cooperating with the PPP, we can have the same arrangement in AJK after the polls.”
PPP Candidate List
PPP AJK Central Coordination Secretary Aamir Zeashan confirmed that the party has finalized nominees for almost every directly elected constituency across AJK, in addition to all 12 refugee seats, positioning itself for a comprehensive campaign. The party has decided not to field a candidate in LA-7 Bhimber City, while in LA-23 Poonch-Sudhnoti (Plandri) it will support Maulana Saeed Yousaf under an electoral alliance with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal).
Prominent PPP nominees include Muhammad Afser Shahid for LA-1 Mirpur-I (Dadyal), Chaudhry Qasim Majeed for LA-2 Mirpur-II (Chakswari), Chaudhry Yasir Sultan for LA-3 Mirpur-III (Mirpur City), Sohaib Arshad for LA-4 Mirpur-IV (Khari Sharif), Chaudhry Parvez Ashraf for LA-5 Bhimber-I (Barnala) and Khizar Rehman Raja for LA-6 Bhimber-II (Samahni). For Kotli district, the party has nominated Zafar Iqbal Malik for LA-8 Raj Mahal, Chaudhry Javed Iqbal Budhanvi for LA-9 Nakyal, Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin for LA-10 Kotli City, Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq for LA-11 Sehnsa, Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin for LA-12 Charhoi and Chaudhry Muhammad Waleed Inqalabi for LA-13 Khoiratta.
Campaign and Alliances
The PPP has also announced candidates for constituencies in Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad, besides finalizing nominees for all 12 refugee constituencies, underscoring its intention to mount a province-wide campaign. PPP AJK leader Syed Azadar Hussain Kazmi rejected reports of defections, stating all PPP ticket holders remained united and actively campaigning. He expressed confidence that the party would secure a strong mandate in the July 27 elections.
The electoral contest has been broadened by the participation of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), which is contesting AJK elections for the first time. IPP has fielded candidates in several constituencies, aiming to establish a political foothold and present an alternative platform focused on good governance, economic development and institutional reforms.
Electoral Dynamics
With PTI opting out, the contest is expected to revolve primarily around the PPP, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), IPP and other regional forces. Political analysts note that PTI might still reverse its decision, as no candidate has formally withdrawn from the race. The PPP, fresh from its GB victory, is leveraging its organizational strength and alliances to maximize gains in the AJK polls.
