ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The newly launched Gujjar Qaumi Party (GQP) is set to contest its first-ever elections in this year’s general election in Azad Kashmir, scheduled in July 2026.
In a media release, the spokesperson of the Gujjar Qaumi Party said that GQP has been accepted as a political stakeholder in Kashmir, citing the invitation extended by the AJK Election Commission for a meeting of various political parties in Islamabad.
The party said that, along with other political parties, the President of the Gujjar Qaumi Party Kashmir, Chaudhry Sagheer Yaqoob, has also been specially invited to attend.
According to the details, President GQP received an official invitation from the Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, Kashmir, Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan, on Friday, in which he was invited to attend this important meeting at Kashmir House, Islamabad.
Commenting on this great achievement, Chairman of the Gujjar Qaumi Party Pakistan, Gul Rehman Hamdard, said that the recognition of the Gujjar Qaumi Party as a political stakeholder in Kashmir is a matter of pride for the entire Gujjar nation.
He said the achievement reflects the tireless efforts of party leadership and workers, particularly the AJK leadership under Chaudhry Sagheer Yaqoob.
He further stated that Kashmir holds central importance for the Gujjar community in terms of culture, identity, and politics, adding that GQP’s inclusion in the political process marks a significant milestone in the struggle for representation and rights of the Gujjar nation.
The party also shared a copy of the official invitation, terming it evidence of its growing political relevance in Azad Kashmir ahead of the upcoming elections.
AJK election schedule to be released in May
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission on Saturday announced that the schedule for the 2026 general elections in Azad Kashmir will be released in May.
The announcement was made at an All-party Conference in Islamabad, which was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal.
The high-level meeting regarding preparations for the upcoming 2026 general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was attended by heads of various political parties and members of the Legislative Assembly representing migrants from Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, detailed information regarding the upcoming general elections 2026 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was discussed. The heads of various political parties presented their suggestions to make the electoral process more transparent, fair, and organized.
The meeting also discussed in detail the timely preparation of voter lists, facilities at polling stations, implementation of the election code of conduct, and special arrangements for the convenience of voters from Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Election Commissioner reiterated the commitment to holding transparent, fair, and free elections.
The election schedule will be announced in May, said Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, adding the elections will be held on time.
He further expressed his resolve that the Election Commission will provide equal opportunities to all political parties, and complete implementation of the electoral laws and regulations will be ensured.
