The first phase of the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Legislative Assembly elections turned violent on Monday, with one person killed, several injured and widespread allegations of vote rigging and electoral malpractice. The unrest has raised fresh concerns over the political situation in the region.
What happened?
- Voting for the first phase was held in 13 constituencies across the Mirpur division, including Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli.
- Polling was disrupted at several locations after clashes broke out between supporters of rival political parties.
- A worker of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), identified as Mukhtar Yunus (also reported as Mukhtar Younus), was killed during violence in the Kotli district.
- The PPP accused supporters of a Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) candidate of opening fire, while rival parties blamed each other for the violence.
Allegations of rigging
- The PPP and PML-N accused each other of election rigging in multiple constituencies.
- Reports from several polling stations claimed ballot boxes were damaged or set on fire, polling was temporarily suspended and clashes prevented voters from casting their ballots peacefully.
- Due to disruptions, polling hours were extended in some areas.
Political reactions
- PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the violence and questioned the Election Commission’s handling of the polls.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the unrest reflected long standing dissatisfaction among people living under Pakistan’s administration and reiterated India’s position that Pakistan is in illegal occupation of parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Background
- The PoK Assembly elections are being conducted in three phases from July 27 to August 10, 2026.
- Security has been tightened across the region, while protests and political tensions continue in several districts.
