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2026-08-02 18:53 UTC → 2026-08-03 04:04 UTC ·
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In late July 2026 Following the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir announced a three‑phase Legislative Assembly election in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (July 27, Aug 2, Aug 10) with international observers and pledges of a free, fair vote. The timetable arrived amid a surge of protests by 10), the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a banned civil‑rights alliance. Prior clashes had left about 30 dead, and campaign rallies were hit by an armed attack on a senior candidate. Demonstrators demanded cheaper wheat‑flour, lower electricity rates and the withdrawal of Pakistani troops; earlier June violence had caused dozens of civilian and police fatalities and blockades that cut off food and medical supplies. India appealed for international accountability, while Amnesty International warned of a crackdown and communication blackouts. (JAAC) continued large‑scale protests. Phase 1 on July 27 proceeded under a public holiday in 13 constituencies, but JAAC‑led sit‑ins and strikes turned the day volatile, with the committee calling for saw a total boycott and accusing Pakistan’s military of engineering the outcome. low turnout; Phase 2 on Aug 2 was held under marked by heavy security, including forces from Punjab and Sindh and military‑protected ballot‑box convoys. JAAC protesters blocked roads in Gujra, Tariqabad and Chehla Bandi, alleging manipulation to install a preferred prime minister. Turnout fell sharply, averaging 42 percent, many polling stations were empty security and postponed voting in several constituencies was postponed until Aug 4 after clashes that killed three Rangers, raising the death toll since early June to 127. On Aug 3, fighting erupted in Rawalakot, where JAAC demonstrators demanded cheaper flour, lower electricity rates, and improved health‑care and education. The clashes left dozens dead and many wounded; a makeshift clinic run by Dr Anwar has treated 50‑60 critically injured patients, including Shafqat Hussain, who was shot in the chest and is dying. Authorities claim the protesters are armed and obstructing the polls, disputing reports that victims avoid hospitals for safety. The October agreement between the Pakistani government and local groups remains unimplemented, further inflaming tensions. JUI‑F chief Maulana Fazl‑ur‑Rehman warned the protest movement had unrest has spread beyond PoK to other parts of Pakistan and Europe, claimed around 80 deaths since June 5, and urged JAAC to exercise PoK, urging restraint while calling on the Pakistani government to pursue and a political settlement rather than rely on force. settlement.