MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): In a major relief for the opposition party, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Tuesday accepted the petition of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Azad Kashmir and ordered the Election Commission of AJK to register the party ahead of the general election 2026.
Last month, PTI AJK moved the High Court against the electoral body’s decision to reject the party’s registration.
The commission rejected the registration application of the former ruling party, citing violations of Rule 121 of the Election Rules relating to the party’s financial accounts.
After hearing, the full bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Shahid Bahar, Justice Ejaz Khan, and Justice Khalid Rasheed, ordered the registration of the party’s regional chapter and allocation of the traditional bat symbol.
Following the High Court’s ruling, PTI candidates will now be eligible to contest elections under the party’s electoral symbol.
Earlier, in a press release, the Election Commission spokesperson said that PTI AJK had submitted its application for registration in light of the Supreme Court judgment and relevant election laws.
“After a detailed review of the arguments of the parties and the available record, the Election Commission came to the conclusion that the applicant party has failed to fulfill the requirements of Rule 121,” the press release added.
The Election Commission said it then decided to reject the application for registration of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf due to violations of the rules and non-fulfillment of legal requirements related to accounts.
“The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir reiterates that the registration and supervision of all political parties is carried out in accordance with the Constitution and law, based on transparency and equality,” it concluded.
