JKJAAC Reaffirms it's Commitments to Continue it's Struggle to Restore People's Haq-e-hukamrani and Haq-e-Malkeet through Participatory Democracy. The People of AJK and Some Political Parties Have Already Rejected the Pre-Poll Rigged Electoral Process
8/1/20262 min read
Rawalakot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir | 1 August 2026
The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) reiterates that it is not opposed to democracy, democratic institutions, or the electoral process. We firmly believe that elections must be free, fair, transparent, and conducted without intimidation or coercion, reflecting the genuine will of the people.
Contrary to attempts to misrepresent our position, JKJAAC has not called for a boycott of the ongoing elections, nor has it sought to obstruct the democratic process. We have consistently maintained that no organisation has the right to prevent citizens from exercising their democratic choice.
However, the current electoral process is taking place under extraordinary circumstances. Large parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir continue to witness widespread communication blackout since 5th June and a heavy security presence, widespread arrests, restrictions on movement, and an atmosphere of fear. In these circumstances, JKJAAC believes that the elections cannot be regarded as genuinely free or representative of the people's will.
Our position has remained consistent from the outset. Even before the current crisis, JKJAAC had raised concerns regarding shortcomings within the electoral system and formally called for comprehensive electoral reforms. We believe that the present process, conducted under these conditions, lacks public confidence and legitimacy.
The people themselves have demonstrated their views through their actions. Hundreds of thousands of citizens continue to participate in the peaceful sit-in at Rawalakot, while many others have chosen to distance themselves from the current electoral process. The outcome of the first phase of the elections in Mirpur has already been rejected through a resolution presented in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly by the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), together with other political parties.
JKJAAC is deeply concerned by what it believes are attempts to portray the movement before the international community as being opposed to elections and hostile to democracy. We categorically reject this narrative. Our movement has always been rooted in peaceful civic action and the pursuit of good governance constitutional, democratic, and fundamental rights.
The Committee further reiterates our movement exists to secure the full implementation of the agreed Charter of Demands, which was formally accepted through the Muzaffarabad Agreement reached with the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the Government of Pakistan. We continue to demand the complete implementation of that agreement.
JKJAAC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to dialogue. We have participated in meaningful negotiations whenever genuine opportunities for resolving disputes through peaceful means have been presented. We remain ready to engage in sincere and constructive dialogue that respects the rights, aspirations, and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
JKJAAC calls upon the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the Government of Pakistan to honour their commitments, end the use of security forces brutal operations against peaceful citizens, ensure accountability for all violations of human rights, and create conditions in which democratic participation can take place freely and without fear.
Our movement will continue peacefully until the people of Jammu and Kashmir regain their right to self-governance, meaningful participation in decision-making, and ownership over their own affairs.
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