The Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has suspended the High Court’s decision that restored PTI registration and its election symbol. The move came after the AJK Election Commission challenged the earlier ruling.
The case was heard in Muzaffarabad on Monday. The Supreme Court issued an interim order, putting the High Court’s decision on hold until further review.
The matter is linked to the ongoing legal dispute over PTI registration in Azad Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the upcoming elections.
The AJK Election Commission argued that the High Court had exceeded its legal powers. Officials said the court granted relief that was beyond the original request made by the petitioners.
After hearing the initial arguments, the Supreme Court formed a full bench to review the case. The bench will be led by Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan.
The court has fixed July 2 as the next hearing date.
Earlier, on June 23, the AJK High Court had ruled in favor of PTI registration. The larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Sadaqat Hussain Raja, declared the Election Commission’s earlier decision unlawful.
The High Court had ordered the immediate restoration of the party’s status. It also allowed PTI candidates to contest the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections using the bat symbol.
The case was originally filed by Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi, who challenged the Election Commission’s move to cancel the party’s registration.
In its written judgment, the High Court said the cancellation violated political rights and was against legal principles.
However, the Election Commission later filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, asking for the High Court’s order to be suspended.
The Supreme Court’s latest decision means the restoration of PTI registration will remain paused until the final ruling.
The AJK general elections are scheduled for July 27. The legal battle over PTI registration may have a major impact on the election process.
It is important to note that the AJK Election Commission had rejected PTI’s registration application on May 17, 2026. The rejection was based on alleged financial account violations.
In other news read more about AJK High Court Restores PTI Registration, Clears Way for PTI Candidates in Elections
PTI has called the decision unconstitutional and undemocratic. The party continues to challenge the move in court.
