Violence and large-scale protests have erupted in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POK) as the Assembly election process got underway. Tensions escalated on the first day of polling in the three-phase election after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, leading to a volatile situation across several areas.
According to local reports, nearly 19 protesters were killed and more than 30 others were seriously injured after Pakistan Rangers and security personnel allegedly opened fire. Among those killed was Usman Nazir, the brother of Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee leader Sardar Umar Nazir. The incident has further intensified unrest in the region.
Reports also alleged irregularities during polling, including claims that polling staff were held hostage at the Ramloha polling station in the Samahni constituency and that bogus voting took place under armed intimidation. Videos circulating on social media reportedly show armed individuals carrying away ballot boxes from polling stations. The POK Assembly has 53 seats, of which 45 are filled through direct elections, while the remaining eight seats are reserved for women, technocrats, and religious scholars. The election process is scheduled to continue from July 27 to August 10, with the PPP and PML-N accusing each other of electoral malpractice.
