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.

More than 50 British lawmakers have signed a letter calling for diplomatic intervention as Pakistani security forces crack down on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leaving 11 dead and over 70 injured.

Markets shut, protests widen

The situation across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains volatile. Markets in Muzaffarabad stayed closed on Tuesday, with shutdowns continuing in Bhimbar and Kotli. Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets, defying a government crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the anti-government group leading the agitation.

Local sources said tear gas was fired at demonstrators following fresh clashes with JAAC workers. The unrest has triggered a communications blackout, making it difficult to verify ground-level developments independently.

Diplomatic pressure builds

Imran Hussain, the UK MP who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, confirmed that over 50 lawmakers have backed a letter to the British Foreign Office. The MPs expressed concern over arrests, internet and mobile service disruptions, and the deteriorating situation in the region.

"The letter urges the British government to take diplomatic action," Hussain said. British Kashmiris, according to the June 6 letter, have been unable to contact relatives in PoJK amid the blackout.

What India said

New Delhi did not hold back. On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Pakistan of circulating "fake news and videos" to divert attention from alleged human rights abuses in PoK. He expressed concern over reports of police brutality and said the international community must hold Pakistan accountable.

India has consistently maintained that territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation remain an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.

11 dead, over 70 injured

The casualty figures tell a grim story. Seven civilians and four police personnel have been killed, officials said. More than 70 others have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Violence escalated after JAAC activists gathered outside a hospital morgue to protest the alleged killing of a member in police firing. Rawalakot Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan told Reuters that four police officers and a passer-by died after protesters opened fire. Six protesters were killed in the subsequent security response.

Police have described the incident as a terrorist act, claiming JAAC-linked individuals used shotguns and other weapons. The regional government banned JAAC on June 5 under anti-terrorism laws and launched a crackdown on its supporters.

What's behind the PoK unrest?

Despite government claims that most of JAAC's 38 demands have been accepted, the group continues its agitation. Key demands include the abolition of 12 reserved assembly seats, along with broader economic and governance reforms.

Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against civilians. "The unrest reflects growing public dissatisfaction in PoJK," he said, arguing that protesters seeking their rights are being met with force instead of dialogue.

The coming days will determine whether diplomatic pressure mounts or the protests spread further.