Archive · 2 Aug 2026
PoK Elections Second Phase Marred by Alleged Rigging, Violence
The second part of elections in a disputed area of Kashmir finished on Sunday.
People voted in 20 seats, but many said the ruling party used force and cheating.
A group called the Joint Awami Action Committee blocked roads and fought with police.
The elections are done in three parts because of safety worries.
India says the vote hides Pakistan’s illegal control of the area.
Second phase of Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir legislative elections concluded on Sunday, covering eight Muzaffarabad seats and all 12 refugee seats.
Over 300 candidates contested, but the vote was marred by allegations of violence, intimidation and rigging from the ruling PML‑N, according to PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto‑Zardari.
Protesters from the banned Joint Awami Action Committee blocked roads and disrupted voting, while security forces were accused of suppressing dissent and killing dozens of demonstrators.
The election is being held in three phases (Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Poonch) amid security concerns, with the first phase giving PML‑N a 9‑seat majority and PPP four seats.
India has condemned the polls as a cover for Pakistan’s illegal occupation and human‑rights violations in the region.
- Who
- PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto‑Zardari, PML‑N, Joint Awami Action Committee, Pakistani security forces, Indian government, residents of Muzaffarabad and refugees
- What
- Second phase of elections to the Legislative Assembly in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, amid allegations of rigging, violence and protests
- When
- Sunday, July 28, 2024
- Where
- Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, Muzaffarabad division, refugee constituencies, Poonch division, Lahore
- Why
- Alleged manipulation by ruling party, protests over political representation and rights, security concerns
- Election Phase
- Second
- Seats Contested
- 20 (8 Muzaffarabad + 12 refugee)
- Major Parties
- Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party
- Allegations
- Violence, intimidation, rigging
- Protest Group
- Joint Awami Action Committee
- Security Forces
- Pakistan Army, Punjab and Sindh police
- India's Position
- Condemned elections as cover for occupation
