ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has announced another batch of candidates for the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections as it continues finalising its electoral lineup ahead of the polls.
According to the party’s announcement, the PPP has nominated Sardar Zia-ul-Qamar as its candidate from LA-15 Central Bagh, Sardar Ahmed Saghir from LA-22 Pachiot, District Rawalakot, and Abdul Waheed from LA-25 Upper Neelum, District Neelum.
Meanwhile, former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan has resigned from the primary membership of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP-AJK Chapter) after days of unsuccessful negotiations over election tickets, a development that political observers have described as a setback for the party ahead of the July-27 AJK Legislative Assembly elections.
According to his spokesperson, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas formally submitted his resignation to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, ending his brief association with the party after reconciliation efforts by the PPP leadership failed to resolve differences. The spokesperson for Tanveer Ilyas confirmed his resignation and said a formal announcement regarding his future political course would be made soon. Party sources said senior PPP leaders made several attempts over the past few days to convince Ilyas to remain with the party.
Sources said the dispute mainly revolved around the allocation of party tickets for the upcoming AJK elections. Sardar Ilyas had sought party tickets for several constituencies, including Bagh Central, Pachiot, Upper Neelum and Rawalakot City, but the issue of Bagh Central seat remained a major hurdle during negotiations.
Political observers believe Tanveer Ilyas parted ways with the PPP along with his political associates and supporters, and his exit could trigger new political realignments in AJK. Speculation is rife about his future political strategy, with sources suggesting he may either join the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) or contest the upcoming elections while leading an independent political group. Political analysts believe his next move could significantly influence the electoral landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In a related development, AJK government minister Ali Shan Soni also resigned from the PPP-AJK’s primary membership, adding to concerns within party circles over the possible political impact of the departures.
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met senior National Watan Party (QWP) Vice President Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah at the Zardari House, following his decision to join the PPP along with the entire organisational leadership of the party’s Peshawar City chapter.
