Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Security Threats Postpone Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Regional Election
People in a place called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were supposed to vote in elections.
The voting is happening in a few rounds.
The last round was delayed because there were worries about safety.
Some violent protests had happened near a town called Rawalakot.
Protesters said more than 30 people were killed, but reporters could not confirm that.
The group leading the protests was banned by the government.
One political party, the PML-N, won many seats and is likely to lead the area.
Another party says the election was not fair.
A third party, led by a former prime minister, decided not to take part.
The internet and roads in the area are still cut off for many people.
Voting was postponed in seven of 11 remaining constituencies in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's third election round due to law-and-order concerns.
The Pakistan Muslim League (N) has won 24 of 34 seats contested so far and is set to form the regional government.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) accused the ruling party of electoral fraud, while PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah rejected the claims as baseless.
Candidates affiliated with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) boycotted the polls over allegations of rigging.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), banned in June, says over 30 people were killed in clashes with security forces around Rawalakot, a toll Reuters could not independently verify.
- Who
- Voters, the Election Commission, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
- What
- The third and final round of regional elections was postponed in seven constituencies due to security threats, following deadly protests and allegations of rigging.
- When
- Monday, after the vote was postponed late last week following earlier rounds in late July.
- Where
- Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, particularly around the town of Rawalakot.
- Why
- Authorities postponed polling after reviewing a report about the law-and-order situation following deadly protests and clashes with security forces.
Accusations of Rigging
Denials of Rigging
Electoral fraud
Accusations of Rigging
PPP leaders say delayed polling in many places indicates electoral fraud, and PTI candidates boycotted over rigging allegations.
Denials of Rigging
PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah rejects accusations of rigging as 'baseless' and says his party will form a government.
Reserved refugee seats
Accusations of Rigging
The JAAC accuses Islamabad of using the 12 reserved constituencies to manipulate local politics.
Denials of Rigging
Pakistani government officials reject the JAAC's accusations.
- Election round
- Third and final round, postponed in 7 of 11 remaining constituencies
- Seats won by PML-N
- 24 of 34 seats contested in earlier rounds
- Directly elected seats
- 45 in the local legislative assembly
- Reserved seats
- 12 of 45, defined as representing refugees from Indian-occupied Kashmir
- Reported deaths
- More than 30 around Rawalakot (unverified by Reuters)
- JAAC status
- Banned by the regional government in June
- Restrictions
- Road closures and internet blackout in the region