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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;"A new date and revised schedule will be announced after reviewing the situation," the election commission said.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-ready-to-talk-jharkhand-cm-hemant-soren-reaches-out-to-protesting-students-1786108876131">‘We are ready to talk’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren reaches out to protesting students</a><h3>India rejects PoK polls</h3>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.&nbsp;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.&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," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.&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.<h3>JAAC claims hundreds killed</h3>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;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.&nbsp;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.

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.

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.

PoK polls: Pakistan postpones third phase voting amid ongoing unrest

The 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. India does not recognise the elections, calling them an attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its illegal occupation of the region. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) said at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during polling.&nbsp;The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) secured the remaining four seats. However, the first phase of polling was overshadowed by allegations of large-scale rigging and violence.&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;Soon after the results, the PPP accused the ruling party of manipulating the outcome.&nbsp;"Our winning seats have been gifted to the PML-N," PPP senior leader Nayyar Bokhari alleged, claiming irregularities in seven constituencies.&nbsp;Several PPP leaders also urged the Election Commission to withhold the official results until complaints of rigging were investigated.&nbsp;The JAAC, a group banned by the so-called government in PoK, also alleged rigging in seven constituencies. The group said the number of martyrs had reached 67 between June 5 and July 28.&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;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cosmetic-exercise-mea-slams-pok-polls-calls-it-bid-to-legitimise-illegal-occupation-1785241905461">'Cosmetic exercise': MEA slams PoK polls, says bid to legitimise 'illegal occupation'</a>&nbsp;India criticised the electoral exercise, accusing Islamabad of using it to cover up its illegal occupation of the region and conceal illegal occupation and grave human rights violations.&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," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.&nbsp;The contest in PoK is mainly between the PML-N and PPP as former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has boycotted the elections.&nbsp;The PoK legislative assembly has 53 seats. Of these, 45 are directly elected, while eight seats are reserved for women, technocrats and clerics.&nbsp;The JAAC also alleged that its activists faced violence during the election process. It said more than two dozen people were injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during the first phase of polling.

The first phase of PoK polls was marred by widespread violence, with the JAAC claiming 14 activists were killed and more than two dozen injured as the PML-N won nine of 13 seats amid rigging allegations.

The 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. India does not recognise the elections, calling them an attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its illegal occupation of the region. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) said at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during polling. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) secured the remaining four seats. However, the first phase of polling was overshadowed by allegations of large-scale rigging and violence. 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. Soon after the results, the PPP accused the ruling party of manipulating the outcome. "Our winning seats have been gifted to the PML-N," PPP senior leader Nayyar Bokhari alleged, claiming irregularities in seven constituencies. Several PPP leaders also urged the Election Commission to withhold the official results until complaints of rigging were investigated. The JAAC, a group banned by the so-called government in PoK, also alleged rigging in seven constituencies. The group said the number of martyrs had reached 67 between June 5 and July 28. Elections for 45 contested seats in the so-called legislative assembly are being held in three phases between July 27 and August 10. Also Read: 'Cosmetic exercise': MEA slams PoK polls, says bid to legitimise 'illegal occupation' India criticised the electoral exercise, accusing Islamabad of using it to cover up its illegal occupation of the region and conceal illegal occupation and grave 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 contest in PoK is mainly between the PML-N and PPP as former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has boycotted the elections. The PoK legislative assembly has 53 seats. Of these, 45 are directly elected, while eight seats are reserved for women, technocrats and clerics. The JAAC also alleged that its activists faced violence during the election process. It said more than two dozen people were injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during the first phase of polling.

The first phase of PoK polls was marred by widespread violence, with the JAAC claiming 14 activists were killed and more than two dozen injured as the PML-N won nine of 13 seats amid rigging allegations.

Pakistan PM's PML-N wins first phase of PoK polls amid widespread violence, rigging claims

India on Tuesday (July 28) 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," he said.&nbsp;The region has witnessed a 52-day protest movement, with demonstrators demanding the release of detainees, the withdrawal of cases against protesters, and the acceptance of their broader demands.&nbsp;Protesters have also alleged widespread electoral rigging, political interference and systematic suppression of democratic rights. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) accused authorities of suppressing peaceful demonstrations and undermining the democratic process through alleged electoral irregularities.&nbsp;Protesters also condemned indiscriminate firing by Pakistani forces on demonstrators in Rawalakot. Thousands of people were preparing to march towards Muzaffarabad after talks between the JAAC and authorities collapsed on Monday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-roads-crack-open-buildings-damaged-after-powerful-7-1-magnitude-quake-hits-japan-1785238784689">Watch: Roads crack open, buildings damaged after powerful 7.1 magnitude quake hits Japan</a><h3>India hits back at Pakistan's claim over Indus Valley civilisation</h3>India also criticised Pakistan's claim over the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilisation.&nbsp;"A country which has been promoting cross-border terrorism, religious fundamentalism and violence for decades, cannot have any claim to any pluralistic cultural legacy. Their abysmal track record on the protection of minorities and their cultural rights makes such desperate attempts look even more phoney."&nbsp;Regarding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), New Delhi said India supports stronger regional cooperation and has worked towards that goal for several decades.&nbsp;“India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades. Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymying SAARC. After all, cooperation does require goodwill”&nbsp;When asked about the extradition of an economic fugitive to India, the MEA said, "Legal proceedings are underway".&nbsp;The MEA spokesperson also said an invitation has been extended to Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah to visit India.

India criticised Pakistan-organised PoK Assembly elections as a cosmetic exercise aimed at legitimising its illegal occupation amid ongoing protests, allegations of rigging and violence in the region.

India on Tuesday (July 28) 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," he said. The region has witnessed a 52-day protest movement, with demonstrators demanding the release of detainees, the withdrawal of cases against protesters, and the acceptance of their broader demands. Protesters have also alleged widespread electoral rigging, political interference and systematic suppression of democratic rights. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) accused authorities of suppressing peaceful demonstrations and undermining the democratic process through alleged electoral irregularities. Protesters also condemned indiscriminate firing by Pakistani forces on demonstrators in Rawalakot. Thousands of people were preparing to march towards Muzaffarabad after talks between the JAAC and authorities collapsed on Monday. Also Read: Watch: Roads crack open, buildings damaged after powerful 7.1 magnitude quake hits Japan India hits back at Pakistan's claim over Indus Valley civilisation India also criticised Pakistan's claim over the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilisation. "A country which has been promoting cross-border terrorism, religious fundamentalism and violence for decades, cannot have any claim to any pluralistic cultural legacy. Their abysmal track record on the protection of minorities and their cultural rights makes such desperate attempts look even more phoney." Regarding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), New Delhi said India supports stronger regional cooperation and has worked towards that goal for several decades. “India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades. Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymying SAARC. After all, cooperation does require goodwill” When asked about the extradition of an economic fugitive to India, the MEA said, "Legal proceedings are underway". The MEA spokesperson also said an invitation has been extended to Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah to visit India.

India criticised Pakistan-organised PoK Assembly elections as a cosmetic exercise aimed at legitimising its illegal occupation amid ongoing protests, allegations of rigging and violence in the region.

'Cosmetic exercise': MEA slams PoK polls, says bid to legitimise 'illegal occupation'

pok-polls

Pok Polls, News on Pok Polls, stories on Pok Polls, articles on Pok Polls, Pok Polls stories at Wion, Pok Polls news, Pok Polls latest news

pok polls

PoK polls: Pakistan postpones third phase voting amid ongoing unrest

Pakistan PM's PML-N wins first phase of PoK polls amid violence, rigging claims

'Cosmetic exercise': MEA slams PoK polls as bid to mask 'illegal occupation'