Archive · 29 Jul 2026
India Criticizes PoK Elections as Cosmetic Exercise
India and Pakistan have different views on the elections happening in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
India says these elections are not real and are just a way for Pakistan to hide its control over the area.
Pakistan, on the other hand, says these elections show that PoK has its own government.
The elections are happening in three parts, and there have been protests and violence.
Many people are upset about the elections and the way Pakistan treats the people in PoK.
India says PoK is part of India, but Pakistan controls it and holds elections there.
India dismisses PoK elections as a 'cosmetic exercise' to hide Pakistan's illegal occupation.
Elections in PoK are being held in three phases amid protests and violence.
At least 20 people have been killed and 70 injured in protests against the elections.
Pakistan structures PoK as a self-governing entity with its own legislature and prime minister.
India asserts that the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an inalienable part of India.
- Who
- India and Pakistan
- What
- Elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
- When
- 27 July, 2 August, 10 August
- Where
- Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK)
- Why
- Pakistan conducts elections to project autonomy, while India views them as a cosmetic exercise to camouflage illegal occupation.
India's Perspective
Pakistan's Perspective
Legitimacy of Elections
India's Perspective
India views the elections as a 'cosmetic exercise' to camouflage Pakistan's illegal occupation and human rights violations.
Pakistan's Perspective
Pakistan conducts elections in PoK to project autonomy and democratic governance, despite retaining key powers.
Territorial Claims
India's Perspective
India asserts that the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an inalienable part of India.
Pakistan's Perspective
Pakistan exercises effective control over PoK and structures it as a separate, self-governing entity.
- Election Phases
- Three phases: 27 July, 2 August, 10 August
- Total Seats in PoK Assembly
- 53
- Reserved Seats for Refugees
- 12
- Registered Voters in PoK
- 3.8 million
- Voters in Refugee Constituencies
- 439,000
- Security Personnel Deployed
- 14,000
- Casualties in Protests
- At least 20 killed, 70 injured
Sources
Cosmetic exercise to camouflage illegal occupation: India lampoons Pakistan over PoJK elections
Bloody PoK polls cosmetic drive to mask illegal occupation, rights violation: India - Telegraph India
Cosmetic electoral exercise by Pakistan to camouflage illegal occupation: India on PoK polls
