# Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir election unrest > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pakistanoccupied-kashmir-election-unrest > Updated: 2026-07-27T16:38:18.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 2. India denounced the legislative‑assembly elections held by Pakistan in the disputed region as a cosmetic exercise, reiterating its claim over the territories. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called for a boycott and organized a “Long March” protest, accusing security forces of manipulating the vote in favour of the Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML‑N). On 27 July 2026, protests in Rawalakot, Mirpur and surrounding towns turned violent when Pakistani security forces opened fire on demonstrators. The first phase of the election resulted in the PML‑N winning nine of 13 seats, but the crackdown left at least 30 civilians dead and dozens injured; some local groups claim the death toll could be 40 or higher, with a source alleging more than 80 deaths since the protests began on 5 June. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the protesters as “enemies like India” and rejected any dialogue. Pakistan split the election into three phases—27 July, 2 August and 10 August—citing security concerns, and imposed a communications blackout, curfew and restrictions on internet, mobile and media access across the region. The JAAC, which had been banned by Pakistani authorities in June, appealed to the UN Human Rights Council for an independent investigation, while human‑rights organisations condemned the use of lethal force as a violation of international law. ## Claims - Security forces fired on protesters in Rawalakot on July 27‑28, causing multiple deaths and injuries. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The Joint Awami Action Committee appealed for UN intervention and an independent investigation. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Pakistani authorities imposed a communications blackout in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, blocking internet and mobile services. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said protesters in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir are “enemies like India”. (corroborated by 7 sources) - At least 40 civilians were killed in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir over two days of security‑force operations. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The election was split into three phases; the first round took place on 27 July, with later rounds scheduled for 2 August and 10 August. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Pakistan’s ruling party PML‑N won nine of the 13 seats contested in the first phase. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Security forces were reported to have used lethal force, including headshots, against protesters. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-07-27: Pakistan‑administered Kashmir election violence leaves dozens dead Election‑related protests in Pakistan‑administered Kashmir turned deadly, killing 30‑40 civilians, injuring dozens, sparking a communications blackout; PML‑N won 9 seats; Defence Minister called protesters “en‑ 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistani-defence-minister-defends-crackdown-on-azad-kashmir-protesters ### 2026-07-27: India denounces Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir elections as cosmetic exercise India calls the assembly elections in Pakistan‑occupied Jammu and Kashmir a cosmetic exercise, condemning them as a ploy to legitimize illegal occupation amid protests that have left at least 20 dead and claims 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-denounces-pakistanoccupied-kashmir-elections-as-cosmetic-exercise --- Cite as: Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir election unrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pakistanoccupied-kashmir-election-unrest