Archive · 31 Jul 2026
PoK Clashes: 37 Killed Amid Election Dispute
In a region called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, people are upset about how elections are run.
A group called the Joint Awami Action Committee says 37 people died when the police tried to stop their protests.
The Pakistani government says the deaths were caused by militants, not the police.
India says the whole area belongs to India and criticizes Pakistan’s elections.
The elections are still happening, and 12 seats are reserved for people who moved there from Pakistan, which the protesters want to change.
At least 37 people, including women and children, have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the current election period.
The Joint Awami Action Committee claims the violence is a response to contested elections for 12 seats reserved for migrants and to broader grievances over economic hardship and civil liberties.
Pakistan’s government denies the death toll, blaming the banned militant group Tehrik-e Taliban for the unrest, and has banned the JAAC and refused to negotiate with protesters.
India maintains that PoK is an integral part of India and criticizes Pakistan’s elections as a cover for occupation and human rights violations.
The elections for PoK’s legislative assembly are underway in three phases, ending August 10, 2024, with 12 of 53 seats reserved for migrants, a point of contention for local activists.
- Who
- Protesters organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee, Pakistani and Indian officials
- What
- Violent clashes during elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with 37 deaths reported
- When
- Clashes this week; elections began Monday and end on August 10, 2024
- Where
- Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad and Ganderbal
- Why
- Protesters demand removal of reserved seats for migrants and oppose perceived Pakistani occupation
- Location
- Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
- Death toll
- 37
- Election end date
- August 10, 2024
- Contested seats
- 12 reserved for migrants
- Key group
- Joint Awami Action Committee