MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has received an application seeking registration of a political party under the name of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Pakistan ahead of the general elections in the region.
The application has been submitted by a founding member of PTI, Akbar S. Babar, and Shiraz Khan, a resident of Azad Kashmir.
The applicant stated that the request has been filed under the provisions of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Act 2020 for the registration of a political party in AJK.
Political experts say the move could create complications for the existing PTI structure in the region, as another faction of the party has already applied for registration.
Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi, who heads PTI Azad Kashmir, had previously submitted an application to register the party for participation in the upcoming elections.
Sources further revealed that the new application, submitted by Shiraz Khan, includes the party’s preliminary manifesto, which reiterates adherence to the ideology of Pakistan and support for the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan, as required under relevant AJK election laws.
The petitioner has requested the Election Commission to approve the registration of the party, reportedly proposed as “PTI Pakistan,” and allocate an election symbol ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The application also contains the party constitution, objectives, organizational structure, list of office-bearers, membership details, and other required documents.
According to the petitioner, affidavits, copies of identity cards of party officials, bank details, and declarations regarding the absence of prohibited funding have also been attached.
The applicant has assured the Election Commission that the party will comply with all provisions of the Election Act and Election Rules, including submission of financial accounts and campaign expenditure details.
The Election Commission is expected to review the application in accordance with legal procedures, while political circles believe the issue of two parties seeking registration under similar names could lead to a legal and political debate.
