The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has rejected rumours about a possible delay in the upcoming AJK general elections, confirming that polling will take place on July 27, 2026 according to the announced schedule.
The commission stated that the election schedule was issued on June 5 under constitutional requirements and in accordance with the completion of the AJK Assembly’s legal tenure. Officials clarified that reports suggesting a postponement were completely baseless and that the schedule was not influenced by any political pressure.
A spokesperson for the AJK Election Commission highlighted that conducting free, fair, and transparent elections on time is a constitutional duty. The commission assured citizens that all necessary arrangements would continue to ensure a smooth electoral process.
The clarification came after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called on the commission to withdraw what he described as a premature election schedule. Bilawal said his party was seeking a political solution and supported efforts to address regional concerns, including the proposed establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The controversy emerged after the AJK government declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a banned organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The decision was announced ahead of a planned protest by the group regarding reserved assembly seats for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the PPP had not consulted the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) about delaying the elections. He stressed that elections should be conducted within the constitutional timeline and confirmed that the government supports holding polls on schedule.
Chaudhry added that the nomination paper submission deadline could be extended if required but the election date should remain unchanged. He also said that conditions in most areas, including Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, were normal, while tensions were mainly reported in Rawalakot.
The minister expressed regret over recent casualties and urged protesters to end demonstrations, saying that democratic processes and timely elections in AJK are the best way forward.
