The recently held elections in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) was mired in controversy. There were several instances of atrocities committed by the Pakistan police on the protesters.&nbsp;According to a report released by Pakistan's human rights body, "disproportionate use of force" was used &nbsp;against protesters in the PoK which puts the credibility of the electoral process under scanner amid allegations of violence and massive rigging.&nbsp;The recent unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was attributed by Pakistan's human rights body to growing institutional distrust, restrictions on freedom of expression and communication, and an increasingly confrontational response from state authorities, including the alleged disproportionate use of force.&nbsp;The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has led the protest movement. The Pakistan government later banned the group under anti-terrorism laws.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-pakistan-saudi-arabia-mecca-defence-pact-meeting-1788088534160">Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to hold first defence committee meeting under Mecca pact</a>&nbsp;Elections to 45 seats to the so-called PoK legislative assembly were held in three phases from July 27 to August 10. However the third phase was postponed with the region's election commission citing security concerns.&nbsp;The first two phases, held on July 27 and August 2, were marred by violent protests. 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.&nbsp;In these circumstances the Commission in a post on X said "there was broad agreement among political and community stakeholders, including JKJAAC supporters and opponents, that the region's grievances required a political solution rather than coercive measures."&nbsp;"We could not independently establish the full scale or circumstances of civilian casualties, particularly because the team was unable to access Rawalakot, one of the main centres of violence," the commission said and called for an independent and impartial investigation into all deaths and serious injuries since June.&nbsp;It said accountability should extend to state officials and protesters wherever evidence establishes individual responsibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The recent unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was attributed by Pakistan's human rights body to growing institutional distrust, restrictions on freedom of expression and communication.

The recently held elections in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) was mired in controversy. There were several instances of atrocities committed by the Pakistan police on the protesters. According to a report released by Pakistan's human rights body, "disproportionate use of force" was used against protesters in the PoK which puts the credibility of the electoral process under scanner amid allegations of violence and massive rigging. The recent unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was attributed by Pakistan's human rights body to growing institutional distrust, restrictions on freedom of expression and communication, and an increasingly confrontational response from state authorities, including the alleged disproportionate use of force. 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. ALSO READ: Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to hold first defence committee meeting under Mecca pact Elections to 45 seats to the so-called PoK legislative assembly were held in three phases from July 27 to August 10. However the third phase was postponed with the region's election commission citing security concerns. The first two phases, held on July 27 and August 2, were marred by violent protests. 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. In these circumstances the Commission in a post on X said "there was broad agreement among political and community stakeholders, including JKJAAC supporters and opponents, that the region's grievances required a political solution rather than coercive measures." "We could not independently establish the full scale or circumstances of civilian casualties, particularly because the team was unable to access Rawalakot, one of the main centres of violence," the commission said and called for an independent and impartial investigation into all deaths and serious injuries since June. It said accountability should extend to state officials and protesters wherever evidence establishes individual responsibility.

The recent unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was attributed by Pakistan's human rights body to growing institutional distrust, restrictions on freedom of expression and communication.

'Disproportionate use of force during PoK protests, polls not fair,’ says Pakistan human rights body

A former Pakistani state minister, who is facing sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has secured victory in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) elections while remaining on police bail, according to a report by The Guardian.&nbsp;The report said Rukhsar Ahmed was last week reelected to the so-called legislative assembly in PoK after spending five years out of office. He was required to report to Greater Manchester Police last month under his bail conditions but reportedly did not appear.&nbsp;According to the report, British police had requested stricter bail conditions to prevent him from travelling overseas. However, the court declined the request.<h2>Campaigned in PoK during election</h2>Ahmed, 62, belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, the party led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He served in different ministerial positions between 2006 and 2021 before losing his assembly seat.The report said he actively campaigned during the election in Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;Images shared on social media showed him attending election meetings. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, he also shared photographs from a meeting with federal minister Amir Muqam.&nbsp;Investigators reportedly came to know about Ahmed's political activities in Pakistan while questioning him during custody.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hits-back-at-us-after-fresh-tariffs-blacklists-six-firms-curbs-drone-exports-1785925926486">China hits back at US after fresh tariffs, blacklists six firms, curbs drone exports</a><h2>UK investigation continues</h2>The case relates to allegations made by several women who accused Ahmed of sexually abusing children at care homes in the early 1990s, when he was in his late twenties.&nbsp;According to the report, Ahmed is expected to answer his police bail within the next six weeks. If he fails to appear, Greater Manchester Police could issue an arrest warrant or begin extradition proceedings, the report added.&nbsp;The development comes weeks after Pakistan refused the UK government's request to deport Shabir Ahmed, a convicted ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed, 73, was released from prison in July after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 child rape offences.

A former Pakistani minister, who is under investigation in the UK over allegations of sexually abusing children at care homes in the early 1990s, has been elected to the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir assembly while on police bail.

A former Pakistani state minister, who is facing sexual assault charges in the United Kingdom, has secured victory in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) elections while remaining on police bail, according to a report by The Guardian. The report said Rukhsar Ahmed was last week reelected to the so-called legislative assembly in PoK after spending five years out of office. He was required to report to Greater Manchester Police last month under his bail conditions but reportedly did not appear. According to the report, British police had requested stricter bail conditions to prevent him from travelling overseas. However, the court declined the request. Campaigned in PoK during election Ahmed, 62, belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, the party led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He served in different ministerial positions between 2006 and 2021 before losing his assembly seat. The report said he actively campaigned during the election in Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Images shared on social media showed him attending election meetings. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, he also shared photographs from a meeting with federal minister Amir Muqam. Investigators reportedly came to know about Ahmed's political activities in Pakistan while questioning him during custody. Also Read: China hits back at US after fresh tariffs, blacklists six firms, curbs drone exports UK investigation continues The case relates to allegations made by several women who accused Ahmed of sexually abusing children at care homes in the early 1990s, when he was in his late twenties. According to the report, Ahmed is expected to answer his police bail within the next six weeks. If he fails to appear, Greater Manchester Police could issue an arrest warrant or begin extradition proceedings, the report added. The development comes weeks after Pakistan refused the UK government's request to deport Shabir Ahmed, a convicted ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang. Ahmed, 73, was released from prison in July after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 child rape offences.

A former Pakistani minister, who is under investigation in the UK over allegations of sexually abusing children at care homes in the early 1990s, has been elected to the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir assembly while on police bail.

Former Pakistan minister facing UK sexual assault case elected to PoK assembly

The Ministry of External Affairs in a regular press briefing on Tuesday spoke on the elections in PoK, which is "currently under Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation", a position that India has always maintained.&nbsp;"This so-called local election in PoK is a complete farce. The real happening is that of public protests and wanton killings by Pakistani forces. Such hollow exercises cannot hide reality," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.&nbsp;The MEA also condemned Pakistan's alleged brutal crackdown on protesters in PoK and said, "since June this year, at least 90 civilians have lost their lives in the continuing crackdown."&nbsp;Elections for 45 contested seats in the so-called legislative assembly of PoK are being held in three phases between July 27 and August 10.&nbsp;According to preliminary results Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is leading on 9 eats in the first phase and 14 in the second.&nbsp;<h2>MEA on Hasina's media event</h2>&nbsp;Jaiswal also spoke on the proposed media event related to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on Wednesday. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made it clear that the event was a "private media entity" and that the government of India does not endorse any views that may be expressed by Hasina or people present there.Sheikh Hasina's proposed address on August 5 is being hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club [FCC] of South Asia in New Delhi.&nbsp;"The interaction you refer to is being organised by a private media entity. The government has no involvement whatsoever in it. Neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;

Elections for 45 contested seats in the so-called legislative assembly of PoK are being held in three phases between July 27 and August 10.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a regular press briefing on Tuesday spoke on the elections in PoK, which is "currently under Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation", a position that India has always maintained. "This so-called local election in PoK is a complete farce. The real happening is that of public protests and wanton killings by Pakistani forces. Such hollow exercises cannot hide reality," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The MEA also condemned Pakistan's alleged brutal crackdown on protesters in PoK and said, "since June this year, at least 90 civilians have lost their lives in the continuing crackdown." Elections for 45 contested seats in the so-called legislative assembly of PoK are being held in three phases between July 27 and August 10. According to preliminary results Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is leading on 9 eats in the first phase and 14 in the second. MEA on Hasina's media event Jaiswal also spoke on the proposed media event related to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on Wednesday. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made it clear that the event was a "private media entity" and that the government of India does not endorse any views that may be expressed by Hasina or people present there. Sheikh Hasina's proposed address on August 5 is being hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club [FCC] of South Asia in New Delhi. "The interaction you refer to is being organised by a private media entity. The government has no involvement whatsoever in it. Neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum," Jaiswal said.

Elections for 45 contested seats in the so-called legislative assembly of PoK are being held in three phases between July 27 and August 10.

PoK election 'complete farce', several people lost their lives in crackdown, says MEA

The second phase of polling in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) ended on Sunday amid allegations of rigging. Polling was held for nine seats in Muzaffarabad and 12 refugee seats, amid protests in several areas. According to preliminary results declared on 18 seats, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) seemed to register victory on 14 of them.&nbsp;The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won the remaining four seats, according to &nbsp;preliminary results declared by the Election Commission and reported by Pakistani newspaper Dawn.&nbsp;While in the first phase of elections, the PML-N won nine of the 13 seats. Altogether the party has already secured 23 seats out of the total of 53. Notably, only 45 seats are filled through elections, and 8 seats are indirectly elected or nominated.&nbsp;The PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, and the PPP, led by the Bhutto family, are both coalition partners in Pakistan's federal government.&nbsp;So, going by the numbers PML-N is all set to win the election in PoK which is "currently under Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation", a position that India has always maintained.&nbsp;<h2>India rejects elections</h2>&nbsp;India does not recognise the elections, calling them an attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its illegal occupation of the region.&nbsp;On July 28, India's External Affairs Ministry in a press briefing had said, "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."&nbsp;Elections for 45 contested seats in the so-called legislative assembly are being held in three phases between July 27 and August 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won the remaining four seats, according to  preliminary results declared by the Election Commission and reported by Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

The second phase of polling in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) ended on Sunday amid allegations of rigging. Polling was held for nine seats in Muzaffarabad and 12 refugee seats, amid protests in several areas. According to preliminary results declared on 18 seats, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) seemed to register victory on 14 of them. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won the remaining four seats, according to preliminary results declared by the Election Commission and reported by Pakistani newspaper Dawn. While in the first phase of elections, the PML-N won nine of the 13 seats. Altogether the party has already secured 23 seats out of the total of 53. Notably, only 45 seats are filled through elections, and 8 seats are indirectly elected or nominated. The PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, and the PPP, led by the Bhutto family, are both coalition partners in Pakistan's federal government. So, going by the numbers PML-N is all set to win the election in PoK which is "currently under Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation", a position that India has always maintained. India rejects elections India does not recognise the elections, calling them an attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its illegal occupation of the region. On July 28, India's External Affairs Ministry in a press briefing had said, "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." Elections for 45 contested seats in the so-called legislative assembly are being held in three phases between July 27 and August 10.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won the remaining four seats, according to &nbsp;preliminary results declared by the Election Commission and reported by Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

PML-N sweeps second phase Pok polls amid rigging allegations, criticism from India

Protests erupted in Lahore after a police crackdown in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) triggered widespread outrage. Student groups, labour organizations, and progressive activists gathered outside the Lahore Press Club to condemn the violence and express solidarity with activists in the region. Demonstrators raised slogans against the ongoing crackdown and demanded that the Pakistani government initiate dialogue with representatives from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Protesters also voiced support for the Joint Awami Action Committee, which has reportedly been banned by the Pakistani authorities.

POK Unrest Deepens | Protesters Rally In Lahore Against Police Violence

The Indian Embassy in the United States on Wednesday (July 29) objected to a headline published by The New York Times, saying it incorrectly referred to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as "Pakistani Kashmir".&nbsp;In a post on X, the embassy called the headline "misleading and incorrect" and asserted that “there is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Misleading and incorrect headline by <a href="https://x.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>. There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The Union Territories of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh, have been, are and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. Pakistan has illegally occupied…&mdash; India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) <a href="https://x.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/2082476880184103013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"The Union Territories of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. Pakistan has illegally occupied parts of these territories and is now using violence against the occupied people," the embassy said.&nbsp;The response came after The New York Times published a report on violent clashes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where protests have continued since last month over 12 contentious seats in the region's legislative assembly.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-ll-be-hitting-them-hard-trump-s-expletive-laden-warning-to-iran-after-missile-attack-on-us-bases-in-jordan-1785335199804">'We’ll be hitting them hard': Trump's expletive-laden warning to Iran after missile attack on US bases in Jordan</a>&nbsp;The report, citing local officials and independent estimates, said at least 30 people, including protesters, law enforcement personnel and bystanders, had died in clashes since early June. The latest violence took place on Monday.&nbsp;India on Tuesday also criticised the legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling the exercise a "cosmetic" attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its "illegal occupation" of the region.&nbsp;MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks during a regular media briefing while referring to the ongoing protests in PoJK. He said the demonstrations reflected widespread public dissatisfaction over governance and economic conditions.&nbsp;The region has witnessed a 52-day protest movement, with demonstrators demanding the release of detainees, withdrawal of cases against protesters and acceptance of their broader demands.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a group banned by the so-called government in PoK, also alleged rigging in seven constituencies. The group claimed that the number of deaths from crackdowns had reached 67 between June 5 and July 28.

The Indian Embassy objected to the NYT's terminology on PoK and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India.

The Indian Embassy in the United States on Wednesday (July 29) objected to a headline published by The New York Times, saying it incorrectly referred to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as "Pakistani Kashmir". In a post on X, the embassy called the headline "misleading and incorrect" and asserted that “there is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”

The Indian Embassy objected to the NYT's terminology on PoK and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India.

'There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir': Indian Embassy in US calls out 'misleading' NYT headline

Even as the first phase of what critics call a farcical election unfolded in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the crackdown by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's forces showed no signs of slowing. Following the latest escalation, the death toll among PoK civilians has reportedly climbed to 67.&nbsp;Chaos erupted at a busy marketplace in Mirpur after Munir's forces allegedly opened fire on civilians. At least five to six people were reportedly killed as panic gripped the area and locals scrambled for safety.&nbsp;Gunshots echoed across the marketplace, while thick smoke billowed from a nearby shop.Despite Pakistan's attempts to downplay the violence, the situation on the ground paints a different picture.&nbsp;According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), at least 14 of its activists were killed on Monday alone during the first phase of the so-called assembly elections in PoK. More than 28 others were reportedly injured.&nbsp;The latest crackdown came after the JAAC launched its long march towards Muzaffarabad.The protests were originally triggered by the ban on the civil society group.&nbsp;On June 9, thousands of JAAC supporters began a sit-in at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground.&nbsp;The group presented 38 demands, including the abolition of 12 seats in the so-called legislative assembly, which it claims are dominated by Pakistan. Instead of negotiations, Islamabad has chosen force, protesters allege.&nbsp;Pakistan frequently speaks about Kashmir on the global stage. But its critics point to what they describe as a glaring contradiction.&nbsp;While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sympathy for victims of the wildfires in France, Pakistan's former UN envoy Maleeha Lodhi publicly questioned why there was no similar expression of grief for those killed in the PoK crackdown.<h2>PoK witnessing protests demanding freedom from Pakistan</h2>&nbsp;In recent weeks, PoK has witnessed repeated slogans demanding freedom from Pakistan.Protesters have openly described the Pakistani government and military as "illegal occupiers."&nbsp;Meanwhile, India dismissed the PoK elections as a "cosmetic electoral exercise" and linked the ongoing unrest to Pakistan's denial of fundamental rights to the people of the region.&nbsp;Questions over the credibility of the elections also intensified after the JAAC and Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) released multiple videos purportedly showing empty polling booths across PoK.&nbsp;The challenges facing the Munir-led military establishment extend beyond PoK. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, received a massive welcome as she launched a campaign demanding his release.&nbsp;She called for an end to his solitary confinement and sought immediate medical treatment for the PTI founder, who has remained in jail for nearly three years.&nbsp;The developments raise a key question.&nbsp;With unrest stretching from Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are the PoK elections merely an attempt to divert attention from Munir's deadly crackdown?&nbsp;With allegations of widespread rigging already overshadowing the first phase—where the PML-N won 9 of the 13 seats—Pakistan continues to face mounting scrutiny.

According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), at least 14 of its activists were killed on Monday alone during the first phase of the so-called assembly elections in PoK.

Even as the first phase of what critics call a farcical election unfolded in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the crackdown by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's forces showed no signs of slowing. Following the latest escalation, the death toll among PoK civilians has reportedly climbed to 67. Chaos erupted at a busy marketplace in Mirpur after Munir's forces allegedly opened fire on civilians. At least five to six people were reportedly killed as panic gripped the area and locals scrambled for safety. Gunshots echoed across the marketplace, while thick smoke billowed from a nearby shop. Despite Pakistan's attempts to downplay the violence, the situation on the ground paints a different picture. According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), at least 14 of its activists were killed on Monday alone during the first phase of the so-called assembly elections in PoK. More than 28 others were reportedly injured. The latest crackdown came after the JAAC launched its long march towards Muzaffarabad. The protests were originally triggered by the ban on the civil society group. On June 9, thousands of JAAC supporters began a sit-in at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground. The group presented 38 demands, including the abolition of 12 seats in the so-called legislative assembly, which it claims are dominated by Pakistan. Instead of negotiations, Islamabad has chosen force, protesters allege. Pakistan frequently speaks about Kashmir on the global stage. But its critics point to what they describe as a glaring contradiction. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sympathy for victims of the wildfires in France, Pakistan's former UN envoy Maleeha Lodhi publicly questioned why there was no similar expression of grief for those killed in the PoK crackdown. PoK witnessing protests demanding freedom from Pakistan In recent weeks, PoK has witnessed repeated slogans demanding freedom from Pakistan. Protesters have openly described the Pakistani government and military as "illegal occupiers." Meanwhile, India dismissed the PoK elections as a "cosmetic electoral exercise" and linked the ongoing unrest to Pakistan's denial of fundamental rights to the people of the region. Questions over the credibility of the elections also intensified after the JAAC and Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) released multiple videos purportedly showing empty polling booths across PoK. The challenges facing the Munir-led military establishment extend beyond PoK. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, received a massive welcome as she launched a campaign demanding his release. She called for an end to his solitary confinement and sought immediate medical treatment for the PTI founder, who has remained in jail for nearly three years. The developments raise a key question. With unrest stretching from Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are the PoK elections merely an attempt to divert attention from Munir's deadly crackdown? With allegations of widespread rigging already overshadowing the first phase—where the PML-N won 9 of the 13 seats—Pakistan continues to face mounting scrutiny.

According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), at least 14 of its activists were killed on Monday alone during the first phase of the so-called assembly elections in PoK.

PoK violence escalates: 67 dead as India rejects Pakistan's polls as a 'cosmetic exercise' | Gravitas

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday (July 28) defended killing and firing at protesters in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) during polling. Justifying the governments crackdown, Asif said he views the protesters in PoK as enemies, just like India.&nbsp;"I put the protesters of Azad Kashmir in the same category as India and consider them also as enemies like India," the Pakistani defence minister said.&nbsp;This comes amid the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) saying at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during polling.&nbsp;Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 seats in the first phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to preliminary results released by the region's Election Commission on Tuesday.<h2>‘Cosmetic exercise’, says India</h2>&nbsp;India does not recognise the elections, calling them an attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its illegal occupation of the region.&nbsp;India on Tuesday criticised the legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), calling the exercise a "cosmetic" attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its "illegal occupation" of the region.&nbsp;MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks during the regular media briefing while referring to the ongoing protests in PoJK. He said the demonstrations reflected widespread public dissatisfaction over governance and economic conditions.&nbsp;"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," said Jaiswal.&nbsp;

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 seats in the first phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to preliminary results.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday (July 28) defended killing and firing at protesters in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) during polling. Justifying the governments crackdown, Asif said he views the protesters in PoK as enemies, just like India. "I put the protesters of Azad Kashmir in the same category as India and consider them also as enemies like India," the Pakistani defence minister said. This comes amid the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) saying at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during polling. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 seats in the first phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to preliminary results released by the region's Election Commission on Tuesday. ‘Cosmetic exercise’, says India India does not recognise the elections, calling them an attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its illegal occupation of the region. India on Tuesday criticised the legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), calling the exercise a "cosmetic" attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its "illegal occupation" of the region. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks during the regular media briefing while referring to the ongoing protests in PoJK. He said the demonstrations reflected widespread public dissatisfaction over governance and economic conditions. "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," said Jaiswal.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 seats in the first phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to preliminary results.

PoK protesters 'enemies like India', says Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif amid widespread violence

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'Disproportionate use of force during PoK protests, polls not fair,’ says Pakistan human rights body

Former Pakistan minister facing UK sexual assault case elected to PoK assembly

PoK election 'complete farce', several people lost their lives in crackdown: MEA

PML-N sweeps second phase Pok polls amid rigging allegations, India's criticism

POK Unrest Deepens | Protesters Rally In Lahore Against Police Violence

'There is no Pakistani Kashmir': Indian Embassy slams 'misleading' NYT headline

67 killed in PoK crackdown as India calls polls a 'cosmetic exercise' | Gravitas

PoK protesters 'enemies like India', says Pak defence minister amid violence