Violence erupts during anti-government demonstrations in Rawalakot; rival political parties trade allegations of poll rigging

At least 19 people were killed and several others injured after Pakistani security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters during anti-government demonstrations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)amid the first phase of Assembly elections. The violence broke out as protesters called for a boycott of the polls, with opposition groups accusing authorities of suppressing dissent and manipulating the electoral process.

Supporters of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claimed security personnel fired indiscriminately on demonstrators in Rawalakot, killing at least 19 people. The organisation later released the names of those killed through its social media platforms.

Separately, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) alleged that one of its workers was killed and two others were injured in firing by supporters of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Both parties have accused each other of attempting to influence the election through rigging.

Election boycott fuels unrest

Thousands of protesters gathered in Rawalakot and other parts of PoK demanding a boycott of the Assembly elections and protesting against the existing political system.

Visuals from several polling stations reportedly showed deserted voting centres, with local reports claiming poor voter turnout in multiple areas. Demonstrators argued that the electoral process lacked credibility and accused the government of undermining democratic rights.

The unrest comes after the Pakistan government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) ahead of a planned protest in June and detained several of its leaders. Since then, sit-ins, demonstrations and road blockades have continued across parts of PoK.

Security measures tightened

Authorities imposed strict security arrangements in several districts following weeks of unrest. Mobile internet services remain suspended in many areas, while restrictions on movement have affected the supply of essential goods in some regions.

The Poonch division, considered the centre of the protests, has witnessed prolonged demonstrations and repeated clashes between protesters and security forces in recent weeks.

Refugee seats remain key point of dispute

The elections are being conducted in three phases for the 45-member Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Assembly, after authorities postponed the original polling schedule citing security concerns.

A major point of contention remains the 12 Assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan. JAAC has opposed the arrangement, arguing that these seats dilute the political representation of residents living in PoK and disproportionately benefit parties ruling in Islamabad.

The Pakistan government, however, maintains that the refugee seats are constitutionally protected and form part of the region's long-standing electoral framework.

National leaders campaign despite tensions

Despite the deteriorating security situation, senior leaders from Pakistan's major political parties actively campaigned in PoK.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed multiple election rallies, promising major infrastructure and development projects. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also campaigned extensively, hoping to improve the party's electoral performance in the region.

The Assembly election follows continued political instability after the collapse of the previous government, with multiple leadership changes since the 2021 polls.

Authorities have not yet released an official casualty figure beyond local reports, while investigations into the violence remain ongoing.