MUZAFFARABAD: The Election Commission Azad Jammu and Kashmir has rejected the registration application of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Azad Jammu and Kashmir, citing violations of financial rules and failure to comply with the required legal framework.
The decision was taken after the scrutiny of the party’s financial records and audit reports. The Election Commission stated that the application could not be approved due to non-compliance with Rule 121, which sets out mandatory financial transparency and reporting requirements for political parties seeking registration in the region.
Despite being given an opportunity to address the objections and submit revised records, the concerns raised in the audit report reportedly remained unresolved. In this regard, the re-audit was conducted, but it did not satisfy the legal and procedural standards required for registration.
So far, the representatives of PTI AJK were also granted a personal hearing before the commission. The party was allowed to present its position and clarify its financial documentation. However, officials maintained that the explanations provided did not fully meet the compliance requirements outlined under the electoral rules.
The Election Commission focused on that the decision was taken strictly in accordance with the law and applicable regulations. It reasserted that all political parties are treated equally under the same legal framework, and there is no exception in the enforcement of financial accountability standards.
They stressed that adherence to audit procedures and timely submission of accurate records are essential components of the electoral process.
The rejection of the registration means that PTI AJK will not be formally recognized as a registered political entity in Azad Jammu and Kashmir until it fulfills the required legal conditions and addresses the outstanding financial objections.
The decision is expected to have political and organizational implications for the party’s activities in the region, particularly ahead of any future electoral processes. No immediate response from PTI AJK leadership was available at the time of reporting.
