Pakistani‑administered Kashmir elections proceed amid protests

Regional elections in the Pakistani‑administered part of Kashmir have entered a second phase despite weeks of deadly protests. Since early June, demonstrators have clashed with security forces over the new voting rules that allow refugees from Indian‑controlled Kashmir to vote, leading to dozens of deaths, injuries and arrests. On 2 August, polling opened in the capital Muzaffarabad and controversial ballot stations were set up across Pakistan, prompting observers to warn of possible interference by Islamabad.

In Berlin, a solidarity rally was held outside the Pakistani embassy demanding an end to the crackdown, the withdrawal of Pakistani troops and the release of political prisoners. Organisers called for unrestricted delivery of food, medicine and other essentials to Kashmir and for full democratic rights for its residents.