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.

Tensions have escalated across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following days of protests against reserved legislative seats allocated to refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living in other parts of Pakistan. According to reports and protest organizers, at least 46 people have died and more than 1,100 individuals have been detained during the ongoing agitation, which has entered its fourth consecutive day.

The movement, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has emerged as one of the most significant political confrontations in the region in recent years. Protesters are demanding the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the Legislative Assembly, arguing that representation should be determined by residents currently living in the territory. The unrest has disrupted normal life in several major towns, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Poonch, where markets, educational institutions, and government offices remain closed.

Authorities have imposed security restrictions and internet services have reportedly been suspended in parts of the region as the administration attempts to contain the situation. The developments come just weeks before assembly elections scheduled for July 27.

Dispute Over Reserved Seats

The controversy centers on 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees who migrated from Jammu and Kashmir and later settled in various regions of Pakistan. Protest groups argue that these seats distort local political representation and should be abolished.

The issue gained momentum after the PoK Supreme Court on June 7 rejected petitions seeking to end the reservation arrangement. The court reportedly held that the constitutional provision could not be withdrawn through the demands presented before it, triggering fresh demonstrations across the region.

Following the verdict, JAAC intensified its campaign, calling for mass protests and sit-ins.

Security Crackdown and Arrests

Administrative sources and protest organizers claim that security forces have launched a large-scale crackdown on demonstrators. Reports indicate that sedition cases have been filed against several JAAC leaders, including prominent figures associated with the movement.

The government had earlier imposed restrictions on JAAC under anti-terrorism provisions, a move that critics say further intensified public anger. Additional paramilitary personnel, including Rangers and Frontier Constabulary units, have reportedly been deployed in sensitive districts to maintain law and order.

Despite these measures, protest gatherings have continued, with demonstrations being reported in both urban and rural areas.

Internet Shutdown Raises Concerns

Communication restrictions have emerged as another major issue during the crisis. Internet services have reportedly been suspended in several locations, limiting access to information and affecting daily life.

However, speeches and messages from protest leaders have continued to circulate through alternative channels. Reports suggest that some broadcasts reached audiences despite connectivity restrictions, drawing attention to the challenges authorities face in controlling information flow during the unrest.

Humanitarian Concerns Grow

As protests continue, residents have reported shortages of essential goods, including medicines and food supplies. The closure of markets and transportation disruptions have affected normal economic activity across several districts.

Local observers say prolonged restrictions could further impact healthcare services, education, and small businesses if the situation remains unresolved. Authorities have not issued detailed statements regarding the supply situation, but concerns among residents continue to grow.

International Attention and Political Reactions

The unrest has attracted attention beyond the region. Demonstrations highlighting the situation have reportedly been organized by activists in cities including London and New York.

Political leaders and civil society groups have also voiced concern over reports of casualties and detentions. Calls for an independent investigation into the incidents have emerged from multiple quarters, with demands for greater transparency regarding the events unfolding in the territory.