- The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is a grassroots coalition formed in 2023; after the regional government banned it, Mir was arrested in late June and authorities placed all four spokespeople on a wanted list with a reward of 10 million Pakistani rupees ($36,000).
- A partial internet blackout has been in place since June 5.
- On July 21, the AJK Election Commission announced a revised three-phase election schedule in response to the unrest.
- On July 27, the first phase of voting is held in Mirpur division, with early results favouring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N); thousands join a JAAC-led march from Rawalakot towards Muzaffarabad and deadly clashes erupt again.
- On July 28, Amnesty International says at least 40 people have been killed, including 34 protesters and six police and paramilitary personnel; residents and local estimates say the death toll has surpassed 50.
- On August 2, the second round of voting is held in Muzaffarabad division amid calls for a boycott and limited access to internet; voting is cancelled in two constituencies due to heavy rain and landslides, with repolling on Tuesday.
- Despite the boycott, election officials claimed turnout of nearly 50 percent; Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said PMLN won 14 of 18 declared seats and rejected rigging allegations by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
- The PPP says worker Syed Mushtaq Shah was killed in an attack by PMLN supporters; PMLN rejects the allegation, saying Shah suffered a cardiac arrest after a scuffle.
- Attention now shifts to Poonch division, a JAAC stronghold, with marches to Muzaffarabad planned in the next 48 hours and more demonstrations expected leading up to August 10.
- Residents who boycotted accused authorities of shooting people demanding rights; one said “No government should shoot its own people.”
- Other residents rejected the political class, saying voting would be like “voting for your own killer” and that the election was held “under the shadow of the gun.”
- The inspector general of police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir rejected blame for civilian deaths, saying seven officers were killed and more than 200 injured, and alleged JAAC supporters tried to snatch polling material.
Protests and a boycott have overshadowed the recent elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with residents expressing that voting would be 'like voting for your own killer.' The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has spearheaded the protests, demanding electoral reforms and highlighting a death toll exceeding 50 amid a government crackdown.
The unrest began on June 5 when authorities banned the JAAC for organizing demonstrations against rising prices and governance issues. This led to a series of protests, with markets and public transport shut down as tensions escalated. “We do not want to bring these politicians back to power by voting for them,” a resident in Muzaffarabad stated, emphasizing the dire situation.4
Despite the JAAC's boycott call, the Election Commission reported a turnout of nearly 50 percent, lower than previous elections. Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal acknowledged the challenges faced during the election process, stating, “This election, in current circumstances, was a massive challenge.” The governing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won 14 of the 18 declared seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) claimed the remaining four.1011
The protests have been marked by violence, with reports of over 60 civilians killed since June, according to the JAAC. The police, however, have denied responsibility for civilian deaths, with Inspector General Liaqat Ali Malik stating, “I have lost seven of my men.” As the final voting phase approaches on August 10, tensions are expected to rise further, particularly in the Poonch division, a JAAC stronghold.13
The situation remains precarious, with the government asserting that the protests threaten public order, while residents continue to demand their rights and an end to oppressive policies.
“Police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir say seven officers were killed and more than 200 injured, and they allege JAAC supporters tried to snatch polling material. Amnesty International counted at least 40 deaths by July 28, while a partial internet blackout has been in place since June 5.”
