In Muzaffarabad, political and religious factions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) reiterated their commitment to holding legislative assembly elections as scheduled. They emphasized that any constitutional amendments should be pursued through the mandate of elected representatives. Meanwhile, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) chose to boycott the government-convened all-parties consultative meeting, citing unresolved demands.
The meeting, led by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore at the Prime Minister’s House, gathered leaders across various political and religious groups to deliberate on the region’s political landscape, constitutional matters, and the upcoming electoral process.
Participants unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions. They strongly condemned ongoing human rights abuses by Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, denouncing the detention of pro-independence leaders and activists. The resolution also criticized alleged Indian attempts to alter the demographic balance in the disputed territory.
The gathering underscored the significance of maintaining democratic continuity and constitutional governance in AJK, identifying democratic institutions as essential for political stability. While acknowledging political disagreements as a natural part of democracy, they cautioned against using such differences to destabilize governance or state institutions. Calls were made for political, social, and public groups to foster dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful political participation.
Support was expressed for the role of national security agencies in preserving regional stability. Concerns were raised about Indian efforts to disseminate disinformation via social media and propaganda campaigns designed to sow mistrust between state institutions and democratic frameworks.
A major outcome was the firm commitment to conduct AJK Legislative Assembly elections within the constitutionally prescribed timeframe. The resolution pledged that these elections would be free, fair, transparent, impartial, and peaceful, enabling voters to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or interference. Any attempts to disrupt or delay the electoral process were warned to be met with legal consequences.
Regarding constitutional reforms, participants insisted that any changes must be enacted by elected representatives within the AJK Legislative Assembly. They advocated for an inclusive consultative process involving political parties, bar associations, legal experts, and civil society before introducing reforms.
The meeting also addressed the representation of Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, recognizing their historical and constitutional role in the Kashmir movement. It was suggested that issues related to refugee electoral representation could be resolved through constitutional and legislative adjustments.
Meanwhile, the JKJAAC, a significant protest movement in the region, abstained from the meeting despite receiving an official invitation. In a letter to Prime Minister Rathore, the committee stated it had already rejected the proposal during prior negotiations with the Pakistani and AJK governments on May 30. The JKJAAC criticized consultations involving stakeholders benefiting from what it described as an “exploitative framework” marked by inequality and rights violations, arguing such talks would not benefit ordinary citizens.
The committee reaffirmed its decision to boycott the meeting and urged the authorities to prioritize implementing an agreement reached on October 14, 2025. This boycott occurs amid escalating political tensions in AJK, where the JKJAAC has announced plans for a long march to the AJK Legislative Assembly on June 9 to press demands related to governance, constitutional reforms, and public welfare.
The all-parties meeting appeared intended to build consensus ahead of the next assembly elections and to address contentious issues such as constitutional changes and refugee representation, which have increasingly shaped political discussions in the region. While the participating parties expressed support for democratic and constitutional processes, the JKJAAC’s absence highlighted ongoing divisions between the regional government and a movement that has gained substantial influence in AJK politics over the last two years.
