Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PTI PoJK) has officially called for a complete boycott of the ongoing legislative assembly polls, terming the entire electoral exercise a severe mockery of democratic norms. The declaration follows escalating civil unrest and violent clashes in Muzaffarabad and surrounding districts, where party workers and local residents took to the streets to protest against the administration's handling of the polls. According to senior regional party leadership, the current voting arrangement lacks any credibility, prompting the leadership to advise workers and supporters to stay away from polling stations entirely.

Why PTI PoJK is Boycotting the Elections

The decision to enforce a strict boycott stems from deep-rooted grievances over alleged manipulation, state pressure, and the exclusion of key political figures from the electoral race. PTI officials argue that holding a vote under the shadow of heavy security crackdowns and protest violence strips the outcome of any legitimacy. Local sources in Muzaffarabad report that polling stations in several constituencies have witnessed very low turnout since morning, heavily influenced by both the party's boycott call and ongoing security lockdowns designed to contain demonstrators.

For ordinary citizens in the region, the disruption has brought daily life to a grinding halt. Transport services between major towns have been suspended intermittently, markets remain partially shuttered, and mobile internet speeds have faced restrictions in sensitive pockets. The unrest has compounded anxieties for families already struggling with inflation and administrative uncertainty, turning a routine political transition into a tense standoff between state machinery and opposition loyalists.

What You Should Do If You Are in the Region

If you live in Muzaffarabad or other affected parts of PoJK, your priority right now must be personal safety and avoiding flashpoints.

  • Stay indoors and keep away from political rallies, protest camps, and polling stations where security forces and demonstrators are clashing.
  • Keep your mobile phones charged, maintain backup drinking water and essential food supplies, and monitor verified local news channels for curfew updates or transport suspensions.
  • Avoid unnecessary inter-district travel until the security situation stabilizes and commercial transport resumes normal operations.

What to Watch Next

As the day progresses, watch for official statements from the regional election commission regarding turnout figures and any rescheduling of polling in violent hotspots. The reaction of federal political parties in Islamabad will also dictate whether this boycott transforms into a broader movement challenging the constitutional status and administrative setup of the territory. Keep an eye on local traffic advisories and internet restoration timelines before planning any movement across district borders.