Pakistan-administered Kashmir votes in reduced third phase amid unrest

Voting is underway in Pakistan-administered Kashmir's legislative elections, but only in four of the eleven constituencies originally scheduled for the third and final phase. Voting in the remaining seven constituencies, located in the Poonch and Sudhnoti districts, was postponed due to security concerns and unrest. This postponement follows weeks of protests by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is demanding the abolition of 12 seats reserved for displaced Kashmiris. The JAAC-led protests have resulted in violence, with residents and rights groups reporting over 50 deaths, while the government stated at least seven police and paramilitary personnel were killed. The elections are taking place in Bagh and Haveli districts of Poonch division, with approximately 460,000 registered voters.

Voters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir participated in the final phase of legislative assembly elections on Monday, despite a boycott called by the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The election campaign was marked by weeks of protests and clashes with security forces. Pakistan's ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) party has already secured a majority, winning 24 of 34 seats in the earlier phases, and is expected to form the regional government. The JAAC's boycott stems from a dispute over 12 legislative seats reserved for individuals displaced from Indian-controlled Kashmir, which the group argues grants disproportionate political influence. The regional government banned the JAAC, citing security concerns, and maintains that the reserved seat issue can only be resolved by the assembly.