Pakistan-administered Kashmir elections and protests – all you need to know | Elections News
Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Faces Severe Political Crisis Amid Protests
MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan-administered Kashmir is experiencing its most significant political crisis in recent years, following weeks of protests advocating for electoral reforms that have escalated into violence.
The protests have led to staggered regional elections, with the second phase of voting occurring on Sunday amid calls for a boycott by local activists. Businesses in Muzaffarabad, the region’s capital, and other areas have largely remained shut.
The third and final voting phase is slated for August 10.
The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a banned organization, is spearheading the demonstrations, which demand changes to electoral regulations and increased economic concessions for the region. Rawalakot, the headquarters of the Poonch division in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), serves as the focal point of the protests.
AJK possesses its own legislative assembly but is not recognized as a full province of Pakistan due to ongoing territorial disputes with India over the Kashmir region. The capital, Muzaffarabad, is located approximately 30 kilometers from the Line of Control, which demarcates the boundary between Indian- and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Local estimates indicate that the death toll from the unrest has exceeded 50, including seven law enforcement officers. However, official figures have yet to be released. JAAC leaders allege that over 60 civilians have lost their lives within a span of less than two months.
An independent monitoring group, NetBlocks, has reported a partial internet blackout since June 5. Telecommunications remain severely limited, further complicating the dissemination of real-time information regarding the crisis.
Protesters are advocating for enhanced political rights and an end to what they perceive as policies that undermine local representation in the legislature. Government officials have characterized the movement as a threat to public order in the region.
Lieutenant-General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director-general of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), addressed the media on Friday, stating that “Kashmiris hold a special place in Pakistan’s heart” and accused certain factions in India of fomenting unrest, an accusation that New Delhi has rejected.
Chaudhry emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability, asserting that it alone holds the authority to use force. Notably, he did not specify the civilian casualty figures during his press conference.
Timeline of Events
The protests, which began in June, were rooted in earlier grievances.
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Late May 2026: Negotiations between the JAAC and the government collapse over the issue of 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees from Indian-administered areas.
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June 5: Authorities designate the JAAC as a “proscribed organization” under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014. A suspension of internet and mobile services follows.
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June 7: The AJK Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of the 12 reserved seats.
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June 8: Clashes result in 11 deaths, with security forces deployed throughout the region.
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June 9: A general strike is called, leading to widespread shutdowns in AJK.
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July 21: The AJK Election Commission announces a staggered election schedule in response to ongoing unrest.
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July 27: The first phase of election voting occurs, with initial results favoring the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Protests recur, leading to violent confrontations.
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August 2: The second phase of voting takes place amid calls for a boycott and limited internet access.
Context of the Protests
The JAAC, formed in 2023, consists of civil society groups, traders, lawyers, and activists. The coalition operates without a single leader, with several spokespeople advocating for its agenda. Following a government ban, authorities issued warrants for their arrest, offering a reward for information leading to their capture.
The group has vehemently opposed the reservation of assembly seats for those residing outside AJK, asserting that this arrangement undermines genuine representation and allows external influence on local governance.
The current crisis highlights long-standing debates over governance, political representation, and regional autonomy in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Human rights organizations have reported significant casualties and demand investigations into the use of force against protesters. Amid a backdrop of internet restrictions, misinformation has proliferated, complicating efforts to assess the situation accurately.
With ongoing strikes disrupting daily life, markets, schools, and public transportation face repeated closures, while the tourism sector suffers amidst official advisories for visitors to evacuate.
