Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the immediate transfer of former PM Imran Khan to a hospital for medical treatment, rejecting the government's objections. Khan, who has been jailed in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail since August 2023, must be moved within 48 hours and will remain at Shifa International Hospital until September 16. The order comes amid persistent rumours over Khan's deteriorating health

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Pakistan has raised petrol and diesel prices, adding fresh pressure to households already struggling with high living costs. The fuel hike is expected to push up transport and other everyday expenses, potentially worsening inflationary pressures across the country. The latest increase comes as Pakistan continues to grapple with economic challenges and rising public concerns over the cost of living.


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A massive public backlash has erupted in Pakistan after Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman (and Chief Commissioner) retired Lt Sohail Ashraf arrived at an Independence Day parade in a royal horse-drawn buggy.

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US President Donald Trump has praised the new defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, calling it a “BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP.” Signed on August 7, the three-way agreement comes amid escalating regional tensions and a wider rethink of Middle East security arrangements.

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Thousands of people rallied across Pakistan to protest soaring inflation and the rising cost of living. Demonstrators voiced anger over higher prices and growing economic pressure on households, highlighting the deepening concerns over Pakistan’s inflation crisis.


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The Partition of India in 1947 remains one of the most painful chapters in South Asian history. As British India was divided into India and Pakistan, millions were forced to leave their homes amid communal violence and upheaval. Families were separated, communities uprooted and countless lives were lost. Decades later, the memories of Partition continue to shape the region.


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A new Pew Research survey highlights the deep mistrust that continues to define India-Pakistan relations. The study found that many Indians view Russia as their country’s greatest ally, while Pakistan is seen as the biggest threat. 


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<p>Pakistan's founding idea was built around the belief that Islam could serve as the basis of nationalism. But that idea has failed to deliver national unity and is now contributing to the country's internal fractures, veteran journalist and former Indian Central Minister, MJ Akbar said.</p><p>Speaking to Pankaj Saran on NatStrat Conversations podcas, Akbar said Pakistan's central problem was not its people but the ideological premise on which the country was created.</p><p>"The problem of Pakistan is the idea of Pakistan," Akbar said, arguing that the country was created around a distinction from the rest of India and that religion became central to that project.</p><h2><strong>Islam cannot serve as the central tenet of a nation's identity</strong></h2><p>The veteran journalist who has written 12 books, including 'Tinderbox, the past and future of Pakistan, ' questioned whether Islam could realistically serve as the foundation of a modern nation-state.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-spy-held-near-india-bangladesh-border-with-fort-william-recon-material-isi-links-under-probe-1786624292513"><strong>Pakistani spy held near India-Bangladesh border; ISI links under probe</strong></a></p><p>"If Islam had been sufficient as a basis for nationalism, why would there be 22 Arab countries?" he asked. He also pointed to Pakistan's relationship with neighbouring Afghanistan, saying that despite their shared Islamic identity, the two countries developed separate national identities.</p><p>"Islam cannot be the basis of Pakistan unity within," Akbar said.</p>

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<h2><strong>'Pakistan has a fading geography'</strong></h2><p>Akbar linked the ideological question to what he described as Pakistan's growing internal fragmentation. He pointed to Balochistan, where he said poverty and political alienation had fuelled growing resentment against Islamabad. "Pakistan has a fractured and a fading geography. Parts of Pakistan are wandering away from the state because they cannot physically dislocate themselves from the state."</p><p>Citing figures from Pakistani sources, he said poverty in Balochistan stood at 43 per cent, with similarly high levels in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. "What you have created is slavery pockets within the country," he said, arguing that the country's resources were concentrated in the hands of a powerful military and political elite. "It's a begging bowl country," he noted.</p><p>He described Pakistan as having a "fractured and a fading geography", saying parts of the country were increasingly alienated from the central state.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/examining-implications-india-reacts-to-pakistan-saudi-turkey-defence-pact-1786448708189"><strong>'Examining implications': India reacts to Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey defence pact</strong></a></p><h2><strong>From nationalism to military rule</strong></h2><p>Akbar also questioned Pakistan's repeated reliance on military strongmen, arguing that military control had become a substitute for functioning democratic institutions.</p><p>Referring to the country's military rulers, he said, "All military dictators are ‘strongmen’." He argued that the current system had created a structure in which the military exercised overwhelming influence over the state. "In Pakistan, now we are watching the strongman of a failed circus. Right. Which I don't say this with any gladness, because I wish the best for the Pakistani people," said Akbar.</p><p>He also warned that Pakistan's nuclear capability had allowed the state to project an image of strategic importance despite its economic and political weaknesses.</p><p>"It's a failed state. It is a falling state," Akbar said, while adding that its nuclear power and military structure allowed it to continue selling a narrative of security.</p><h2><strong>Pakistan's geopolitical comeback questioned</strong></h2><p>Akbar rejected the idea that Pakistan's recent diplomatic activity necessarily represented a genuine turnaround in its fortunes. He argued that a country's strength should be measured by its economy, the prosperity of its people and the ability of its government to control and administer its territory.</p><p>"The state of a country is defined by its economy, by the prosperity of its people, whether the state is functioning or not," he said, adding that while Pakistan may be attracting renewed international attention, that does not necessarily mean its underlying problems have been resolved.</p><p>"Pakistan is actually nothing more than a sophisticated Sudan," Akbar said, arguing that while governments exist, their effective control over the country remains limited.&nbsp;</p>

Can religion hold a modern nation together? Veteran journalist MJ Akbar argues that Pakistan's founding idea has failed to create lasting unity, pointing instead to growing regional alienation, military dominance and economic weakness.

Pakistan's founding idea was built around the belief that Islam could serve as the basis of nationalism. But that idea has failed to deliver national unity and is now contributing to the country's internal fractures, veteran journalist and former Indian Central Minister, MJ Akbar said. Speaking to Pankaj Saran on NatStrat Conversations podcas, Akbar said Pakistan's central problem was not its people but the ideological premise on which the country was created. "The problem of Pakistan is the idea of Pakistan," Akbar said, arguing that the country was created around a distinction from the rest of India and that religion became central to that project. Islam cannot serve as the central tenet of a nation's identity The veteran journalist who has written 12 books, including 'Tinderbox, the past and future of Pakistan, ' questioned whether Islam could realistically serve as the foundation of a modern nation-state. Also read | Pakistani spy held near India-Bangladesh border; ISI links under probe "If Islam had been sufficient as a basis for nationalism, why would there be 22 Arab countries?" he asked. He also pointed to Pakistan's relationship with neighbouring Afghanistan, saying that despite their shared Islamic identity, the two countries developed separate national identities. "Islam cannot be the basis of Pakistan unity within," Akbar said.

<p>Can religion hold a modern nation together? Veteran journalist MJ Akbar argues that Pakistan's founding idea has failed to create lasting unity, pointing instead to growing regional alienation, military dominance and economic weakness.</p>

Pakistan's 'Islamic' identity is failing to hold the country together, says MJ Akbar

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested two youths in Karnataka for reportedly maintaining contact with Pakistan and ISIS. Maps were also recovered from one of the accused's rooms. The ATS received information from a central intelligence agency, following which the arrests were made on the outskirts of Uplaam village in Kalaburagi taluk.



Karnataka: Two arrested for links with ISIS, Pakistan 

Houthi militants have struck a cargo ship in the Red Sea with missiles, killing at least six people, according to Yemen’s government. The attack marks a fresh escalation in the region’s shipping crisis, raising concerns over maritime security and disruptions to vital trade routes.

Red Sea War: Six killed in deadly Houthi strikes on Red Sea vessel 

<p>Even as Pakistan is desperately trying to project its military strength on a global stage, the ground reality is stark.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed to have killed 32 Pak army soldiers in August itself.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Now, Pakistan army chief Asim Munir's forces have been accused of bombing their own backyard of Balochistan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Key human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, who claims to represent 'The Republic of Balochistan,' stated that the air strikes were carried out by F-16 fighter jets in the Surab region.</p><p>According to him, at least 30 innocent Baloch civilians, including women and children were killed in Pakistan's attack, whereas dozens others were left injured.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Amid this, he appealed to the Baloch people to mark Pakistan's Independence Day on August 14 as 'Black Day' by hoisting black flags at their homes and wearing black armbands.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, Pakistan had a very different version to offer. According to the country's military, 8 militants died in Surab after the premature detonation of a bomb which they were preparing. This also reportedly caused the death of three civilians.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a subsequent operation, Munir's forces claimed to have killed ten more militants, who were reportedly trying to escape.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p> </p><p> </p><p>Pakistan's operation came a day after BLA claimed to have killed 32 military personnel from August one to eight.</p><p> Its attacks reportedly targeted Pakistani military convoys, armoured vehicles, camps, police posts, bridges and railway infrastructure. It also claimed that several military vehicles were destroyed.</p><p> </p><p>This is not all.</p><p> </p><p>Balochistan's energy sector is also under the radar.</p><p> </p><p>A powerful blast damaged an 18-inch gas pipeline in Balochistan's Bolan area. Huge flames were reportedly visible from a distance following the explosion. This left many areas of Balochistan such as Quetta, Mastung, Kalat and Ziarat without gas supply.</p><p> </p><p>In another reflection of the deteriorating law and order in Balochistan, seven miners working for a private copper mining firm in Chagai district were kidnapped by unidentified armed men.</p><p>The abductors also took away vehicles and solar panels.</p><p> </p><p>Pakistan has long struggled to contain activities of the Baloch rebels, which are seeking independence of Balochistan from the country.</p><p> </p><p>In July, gunmen killed nine police officers in an attack on a checkpost at the Mangi Dam project in Balochistan.</p><p> </p><p>Earlier in May, over 30 people were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into a train in Quetta, which was carrying Pakistani security personnel and their families.</p><p> </p><p>The worsening security situation in Balochistan is also evident from hard data.</p><p> </p><p>According to the South Asia Terrorism portal, this province has already witnessed 451 incidents of killing in 2026 so far. 321 civilians and 584 security personnel have lost their lives. On the other hand, over 770 militants have been killed.</p><p> </p><p>With turmoil growing in Khyber Pakthunkhwa as well as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a key question arises.</p><p> </p><p>Is the Munir-led hybrid regime in Pakistan even in a realistic position to provide security to other countries when it is unable to manage the chaos within?</p>

Human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, who claims to represent 'The Republic of Balochistan,' said that the air strikes were carried out by F-16 fighter jets in the Surab region. At least 30 innocent Balochs, including women and children, were killed in Pakistan's attack.

Even as Pakistan is desperately trying to project its military strength on a global stage, the ground reality is stark. The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed to have killed 32 Pak army soldiers in August itself. Now, Pakistan army chief Asim Munir's forces have been accused of bombing their own backyard of Balochistan. Key human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, who claims to represent 'The Republic of Balochistan,' stated that the air strikes were carried out by F-16 fighter jets in the Surab region. According to him, at least 30 innocent Baloch civilians, including women and children were killed in Pakistan's attack, whereas dozens others were left injured. Amid this, he appealed to the Baloch people to mark Pakistan's Independence Day on August 14 as 'Black Day' by hoisting black flags at their homes and wearing black armbands. However, Pakistan had a very different version to offer. According to the country's military, 8 militants died in Surab after the premature detonation of a bomb which they were preparing. This also reportedly caused the death of three civilians. In a subsequent operation, Munir's forces claimed to have killed ten more militants, who were reportedly trying to escape.

<p>Human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch, who claims to represent 'The Republic of Balochistan,' said that the air strikes were carried out by F-16 fighter jets in the Surab region. At least 30 innocent Balochs, including women and children, were killed in Pakistan's attack.</p>

Pakistan bombs Pakistan: ‘Air strikes’ in Balochistan after BLA kills 32 soldiers | Gravitas

Pakistan’s Balochistan province is facing a fresh wave of security tensions, with the Baloch Liberation Army claiming attacks against Pakistani military personnel while Pakistan’s military has reported operations against militants.

The crisis has expanded beyond battlefield clashes. An explosion damaged a major gas transmission pipeline, disrupting supplies to several areas, while seven miners working for a private copper mining company were reportedly abducted by armed men.

Baloch activists have also alleged that Pakistani fighter jets carried out strikes in the Surab region, claiming civilian casualties. These allegations have not been independently verified, while Pakistan’s 

Pakistan’s Balochistan crisis escalates: Clashes erupt between Pak army & Baloch rebels

<p>Balochistan covers 43.6 per cent of Pakistan’s landmass — almost half the country. It is also rich in natural gas, copper, gold, coal and other minerals, while its coastline and Gwadar give Pakistan enormous strategic value. &nbsp;Yet the province remains Pakistan’s least populated and among its most economically disadvantaged regions. The contradiction is glaring: extraordinary resources, but persistent grievances over who controls them, who benefits from them and how much comes back to the people who live above them.</p><p>Balochistan is also a cultural asset — Baloch, Brahui, Pashtun and other communities contributing to a diversity that cannot be reduced to statistics.</p><p>But today, it is increasingly defined by unrest. Insurgency, attacks, enforced disappearances and allegations of extrajudicial killings have deepened a crisis of trust. Human-rights groups continue to document disappearances and killings, while families demanding answers have remained at the centre of the struggle. And women have become the faces of resistance and separation in the face of oppression.</p><p>That should concern Islamabad. Because when mothers, sisters and daughters become the most visible voices demanding justice for missing men, the crisis stops being merely about security. It becomes about legitimacy. Then there is geography. Balochistan borders Iran, Afghanistan and the Arabian Sea, placing Pakistan at a critical crossroads between South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia.</p><h2>So what is Pakistan without Balochistan?</h2><p>A country stripped of territory, resources, strategic depth and a vital part of its identity. But the deeper question is what Pakistan has become with Balochistan. A nation cannot be sustained by borders alone. It must earn the loyalty of its people. And if Pakistan has failed anywhere, it has failed at the most fundamental role of a nation: to be a nation for its people.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Balochistan holds vast mineral resources and strategic importance, yet remains economically disadvantaged amid a long-running insurgency and human rights crisis.

Balochistan covers 43.6 per cent of Pakistan’s landmass — almost half the country. It is also rich in natural gas, copper, gold, coal and other minerals, while its coastline and Gwadar give Pakistan enormous strategic value. Yet the province remains Pakistan’s least populated and among its most economically disadvantaged regions. The contradiction is glaring: extraordinary resources, but persistent grievances over who controls them, who benefits from them and how much comes back to the people who live above them. Balochistan is also a cultural asset — Baloch, Brahui, Pashtun and other communities contributing to a diversity that cannot be reduced to statistics. But today, it is increasingly defined by unrest. Insurgency, attacks, enforced disappearances and allegations of extrajudicial killings have deepened a crisis of trust. Human-rights groups continue to document disappearances and killings, while families demanding answers have remained at the centre of the struggle. And women have become the faces of resistance and separation in the face of oppression. That should concern Islamabad. Because when mothers, sisters and daughters become the most visible voices demanding justice for missing men, the crisis stops being merely about security. It becomes about legitimacy. Then there is geography. Balochistan borders Iran, Afghanistan and the Arabian Sea, placing Pakistan at a critical crossroads between South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia. So what is Pakistan without Balochistan? A country stripped of territory, resources, strategic depth and a vital part of its identity. But the deeper question is what Pakistan has become with Balochistan. A nation cannot be sustained by borders alone. It must earn the loyalty of its people. And if Pakistan has failed anywhere, it has failed at the most fundamental role of a nation: to be a nation for its people.

<p>Balochistan holds vast mineral resources and strategic importance, yet remains economically disadvantaged amid a long-running insurgency and human rights crisis.</p>

The verdict: What is Pakistan without Balochistan? A nation losing its own soul

<p>Pakistan on Tuesday said that the US and Iran are close to a “some sort of” arrangement. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif signalled “things are shaping up again in favour of a peace arrangement or a deal" in an interview with Bloomberg. These comments offered another glimmer of hope as the US and Iran both are seeking reparation from each other.&nbsp;</p><p>“The signals in the last two to three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement,” added Asif without providing any details. The comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was meeting Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p><p>Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson told a briefing earlier on Tuesday that separate discussions between Oman and Iran over management of ⁠the Strait of Hormuz and opening a channel were at a “critical juncture.”</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-denies-frequent-contact-fed-chair-kevin-warsh-interest-rates-1786457727700"><strong>Trump denies frequent contact with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh amid pressure over interest rates</strong></a></p><p>There had been no response from either the US or Iran either confirming or denying Asif's comments. Despite tentative signs of progress in diplomacy, there were reports of new attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea, highlighting the widening threat to maritime trade.</p><p>Earlier today, a Panama-flagged container vessel named Vela Nova was struck by a missile fired from a US helicopter off the coast of Pakistan.</p><p>The WSJ reported that the US military struck it after its crew ignored ⁠warnings from personnel working to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Four other crew members were killed in a suspected attack by Houthis ​on a small cargo vessel in the Bab ​el-Mandeb strait, said Yemen's Transport Ministry. The Houthis have not claimed the attack. They have maintained a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea since July 20, in response to what they described as a Saudi siege.&nbsp;</p><p>Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday that the strait won’t reopen until Washington lifts its naval blockade and sanctions, withdraws American forces from the region, pays war reparations, and releases frozen Iranian assets. The council also called for an end to US attacks on Iran’s regional allies. Trump traded barbs, saying that “If there’s damages to be paid, I think Iran should pay those damages.” He also claimed that Hormuz is under US control.</p>

Pakistan says the US and Iran may be nearing a deal as talks over the Strait of Hormuz reach a critical stage amid fresh attacks on Gulf shipping.

Pakistan on Tuesday said that the US and Iran are close to a “some sort of” arrangement. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif signalled “things are shaping up again in favour of a peace arrangement or a deal" in an interview with Bloomberg. These comments offered another glimmer of hope as the US and Iran both are seeking reparation from each other. “The signals in the last two to three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement,” added Asif without providing any details. The comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was meeting Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran on Tuesday. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson told a briefing earlier on Tuesday that separate discussions between Oman and Iran over management of ⁠the Strait of Hormuz and opening a channel were at a “critical juncture.” Also Read: Trump denies frequent contact with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh amid pressure over interest rates There had been no response from either the US or Iran either confirming or denying Asif's comments. Despite tentative signs of progress in diplomacy, there were reports of new attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea, highlighting the widening threat to maritime trade. Earlier today, a Panama-flagged container vessel named Vela Nova was struck by a missile fired from a US helicopter off the coast of Pakistan. The WSJ reported that the US military struck it after its crew ignored ⁠warnings from personnel working to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Four other crew members were killed in a suspected attack by Houthis on a small cargo vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, said Yemen's Transport Ministry. The Houthis have not claimed the attack. They have maintained a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea since July 20, in response to what they described as a Saudi siege. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday that the strait won’t reopen until Washington lifts its naval blockade and sanctions, withdraws American forces from the region, pays war reparations, and releases frozen Iranian assets. The council also called for an end to US attacks on Iran’s regional allies. Trump traded barbs, saying that “If there’s damages to be paid, I think Iran should pay those damages.” He also claimed that Hormuz is under US control.

<p>Pakistan says the US and Iran may be nearing a deal as talks over the Strait of Hormuz reach a critical stage amid fresh attacks on Gulf shipping.</p>

Pakistan says US, Iran close to ‘some sort of arrangement’ despite shipping attacks

Amid ongoing and violent civil unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), fresh international diplomatic strain has emerged following reports that a British national, 38-year-old Waqas Arif from Nottingham, has been arbitrarily detained in Mirpur prison for over two months.


PoK protest: Another UK citizen held in Mirpur prison amid PoJK protest

Pakistan’s internal security crisis is deepening as armed attacks intensify across Balochistan, while unrest and instability also persist in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The escalation has made 2025 and 2026 among the deadliest periods in the decades-long Balochistan conflict.


Baloch separatists call for Aug 11 Independence Day flag hoisting

Pakistan has refused to intervene militarily following recent Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, exposing immediate cracks in a newly formed trilateral alliance. Despite signing a landmark Mecca joint defence agreement alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey just days ago—which includes a NATO-style collective defence clause—Islamabad has refrained from deploying its army into active combat against the Yemeni rebel group.

Pak runs away from Houthi battlefield, refrains from deploying army against Houthis 

Pakistan: clashes between Pak forces and Baloch rebels intensify 

UN Chief Antonio Guterres has backed calls for a prompt, impartial inquiry into the recent killings of protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

UN warns Pak over crackdown on peaceful protesters

<p>Polling in Poonch and Palandri districts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will not take place on August 10 as scheduled, with the region's election commission citing security concerns.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The third phase of the elections covers seven of the 11 seats. The decision to postpone voting in the two districts came after the first two phases, held on July 27 and August 2, were marred by violent protests.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"A new date and revised schedule will be announced after reviewing the situation," the election commission said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The postponement comes amid continuing unrest over demands to scrap 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for people who migrated from the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-ready-to-talk-jharkhand-cm-hemant-soren-reaches-out-to-protesting-students-1786108876131"><strong>‘We are ready to talk’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren reaches out to protesting students</strong></a></p><h3>India rejects PoK polls</h3><p>India maintained that Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country and rejected the electoral exercise in PoK. New Delhi said Pakistan is in "illegal and forcible occupation" of parts of these Union Territories.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the polls were an attempt to legitimise Pakistan's occupation of the region and conceal the ongoing human rights violations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The current cosmetic electoral exercise is nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region. As we have stated earlier, the ongoing mass protest in PoJK, of which you are aware, is the direct consequence of economic exploitation, its denial of fundamental rights to the people and its administrative operations," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has led the protest movement. The Pakistan government later banned the group under anti-terrorism laws.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan's government also directed international media organisations to seek permission before reporting from areas outside major cities. The move followed coverage of protests and elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir by foreign news organisations.</p><h3>JAAC claims hundreds killed</h3><p>The JAAC claimed that more than 40 people were killed during the first phase of polling on July 27. It further claimed that around 400 protesters had been killed since the first week of June.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The first phase of voting resulted in a victory for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which won nine of the 13 seats in PoK, according to preliminary results released by the region's Election Commission on Tuesday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The JAAC also claimed that at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during the first phase of polling.</p>

Pakistan has postponed the third phase of PoK elections in Poonch and Palandri over security concerns as continuing unrest and violent protests disrupt the contested electoral process.

Polling in Poonch and Palandri districts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will not take place on August 10 as scheduled, with the region's election commission citing security concerns. The third phase of the elections covers seven of the 11 seats. The decision to postpone voting in the two districts came after the first two phases, held on July 27 and August 2, were marred by violent protests. "A new date and revised schedule will be announced after reviewing the situation," the election commission said. The postponement comes amid continuing unrest over demands to scrap 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for people who migrated from the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir. Also Read: ‘We are ready to talk’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren reaches out to protesting students India rejects PoK polls India maintained that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country and rejected the electoral exercise in PoK. New Delhi said Pakistan is in "illegal and forcible occupation" of parts of these Union Territories. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the polls were an attempt to legitimise Pakistan's occupation of the region and conceal the ongoing human rights violations. "The current cosmetic electoral exercise is nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region. As we have stated earlier, the ongoing mass protest in PoJK, of which you are aware, is the direct consequence of economic exploitation, its denial of fundamental rights to the people and its administrative operations," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has led the protest movement. The Pakistan government later banned the group under anti-terrorism laws. Pakistan's government also directed international media organisations to seek permission before reporting from areas outside major cities. The move followed coverage of protests and elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir by foreign news organisations. JAAC claims hundreds killed The JAAC claimed that more than 40 people were killed during the first phase of polling on July 27. It further claimed that around 400 protesters had been killed since the first week of June. The first phase of voting resulted in a victory for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which won nine of the 13 seats in PoK, according to preliminary results released by the region's Election Commission on Tuesday. The JAAC also claimed that at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during the first phase of polling.

<p>Pakistan has postponed the third phase of PoK elections in Poonch and Palandri over security concerns as continuing unrest and violent protests disrupt the contested electoral process.</p>

PoK polls: Pakistan postpones third phase voting amid ongoing unrest

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