PoK Protests: People across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are observing a shutdown while demanding justice for protesters killed during clashes. The region has witnessed continued unrest, with markets and businesses closed amid growing public anger.

The shutdown comes as protest groups continue to raise demands over governance, political representation and accountability following the deaths during the unrest.

Watch the full report for the latest developments from PoK, the shutdown across the region and the growing demands for justice.

PoK Demands Justice for Killed Protesters, People Observe Shutdown Across the Region

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Independence Day said the condition of people living across the Line of Control (LoC) had reinforced his belief that the region’s decision to remain with India in 1947 was the right one, while reiterating his government’s commitment to seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and full statehood.Addressing an Independence Day gathering, Abdullah said that had Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional position not been altered in 2019, people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) might today have been protesting to reunite with the region.“Looking at the situation in that part of Jammu and Kashmir, it is tragic and lamentable. We are concerned,” Abdullah said, adding that the people across the LoC were not strangers but part of the same community.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-delivers-shortest-independence-day-speech-in-years-address-to-nation-lasts-78-minutes-1786766347786">PM Modi delivers shortest Independence Day speech in years: Address to nation lasts 78 minutes</a>He asserted that the territory across the LoC continued to be regarded as part of Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to seats reserved in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly for representatives from the region, he said the vacancies were being maintained in the hope that one day the people living there would be able to occupy them.Abdullah also paid tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and other leaders and residents who resisted the tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. Recalling the popular slogan, “Hamlawar Khabardar, Kashmiri Hai Taiyaar” (Beware, invaders; Kashmiris are ready), he said thousands of people sacrificed their lives while resisting the attackers.The Chief Minister said Independence Day was not only a day of celebration but also an occasion to remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reflect on whether the country had fulfilled the vision for which they had fought.Describing India as a diverse and vibrant “bouquet”, Abdullah said the country’s two greatest strengths were its democracy and federal structure. He called for both to be protected and strengthened, arguing that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir should be part of a wider effort to reinforce the constitutional rights and powers of all states.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-appeals-to-opposition-to-back-33-women-s-reservation-in-parliament-india-80th-independence-day-1786764365901">PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day</a>“India is a Union of States,” Abdullah said, stressing that federalism could not be strengthened merely by restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He also opposed what he described as increasing interference by central agencies in matters falling within the states’ constitutional domain.Referring to recent student protests over examination and admission procedures, Abdullah said national-level examinations were appropriate for national institutions, but state educational institutions should retain the authority to conduct their own examinations and admissions.On his government’s performance, Abdullah said the administration had been working with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and remained committed to fulfilling their aspirations. He said the government’s objective was to ensure that young people, including those living in villages, could see a path towards a better future.He also underlined the importance of three pillars of democracy—the government, the opposition and the media. According to Abdullah, the government must deliver, the opposition must hold it accountable, and the media must scrutinise both.Concluding his address, Abdullah assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that his government would continue to represent their interests and pursue its political commitments, including the demand for restoration of special constitutional guarantees and full statehood.

“Looking at the situation in that part of Jammu and Kashmir, it is tragic and lamentable. We are concerned,” Abdullah said, adding that the people across the LoC were not strangers but part of the same community.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Independence Day said the condition of people living across the Line of Control (LoC) had reinforced his belief that the region’s decision to remain with India in 1947 was the right one, while reiterating his government’s commitment to seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and full statehood. Addressing an Independence Day gathering, Abdullah said that had Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional position not been altered in 2019, people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) might today have been protesting to reunite with the region. “Looking at the situation in that part of Jammu and Kashmir, it is tragic and lamentable. We are concerned,” Abdullah said, adding that the people across the LoC were not strangers but part of the same community. Also read | PM Modi delivers shortest Independence Day speech in years: Address to nation lasts 78 minutes He asserted that the territory across the LoC continued to be regarded as part of Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to seats reserved in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly for representatives from the region, he said the vacancies were being maintained in the hope that one day the people living there would be able to occupy them. Abdullah also paid tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and other leaders and residents who resisted the tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. Recalling the popular slogan, “Hamlawar Khabardar, Kashmiri Hai Taiyaar” (Beware, invaders; Kashmiris are ready), he said thousands of people sacrificed their lives while resisting the attackers. The Chief Minister said Independence Day was not only a day of celebration but also an occasion to remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reflect on whether the country had fulfilled the vision for which they had fought. Describing India as a diverse and vibrant “bouquet”, Abdullah said the country’s two greatest strengths were its democracy and federal structure. He called for both to be protected and strengthened, arguing that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir should be part of a wider effort to reinforce the constitutional rights and powers of all states. Also read | PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day “India is a Union of States,” Abdullah said, stressing that federalism could not be strengthened merely by restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He also opposed what he described as increasing interference by central agencies in matters falling within the states’ constitutional domain. Referring to recent student protests over examination and admission procedures, Abdullah said national-level examinations were appropriate for national institutions, but state educational institutions should retain the authority to conduct their own examinations and admissions. On his government’s performance, Abdullah said the administration had been working with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and remained committed to fulfilling their aspirations. He said the government’s objective was to ensure that young people, including those living in villages, could see a path towards a better future. He also underlined the importance of three pillars of democracy—the government, the opposition and the media. According to Abdullah, the government must deliver, the opposition must hold it accountable, and the media must scrutinise both. Concluding his address, Abdullah assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that his government would continue to represent their interests and pursue its political commitments, including the demand for restoration of special constitutional guarantees and full statehood.

“Looking at the situation in that part of Jammu and Kashmir, it is tragic and lamentable. We are concerned,” Abdullah said, adding that the people across the LoC were not strangers but part of the same community.

PoK situation reinforces J&K’s decision to join India in 1947: Omar Abdullah

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

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

The first phase of elections to the so-called legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) turned violent on Monday (Jul 27), with at least 19 people killed, several others injured and rival political parties accusing each other of poll rigging amid continuing anti-government protests. The elections, originally scheduled for July 27, are being held in three phases until August 10.India does not recognise the elections held in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and has consistently maintained that Pakistan is in illegal occupation of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs has consistently opposed such polls, reiterating that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, are integral and inalienable parts of India. New Delhi has described the unrest in PoK as a direct consequence of Islamabad's "systemic exploitation and administrative oppression" in territories under its "forcible occupation".<h2>Protesters allege indiscriminate firing</h2>The election-day violence coincided with continuing demonstrations led by the JAAC, whose supporters accused Pakistani security forces of opening fire on protesters in Rawalakot. The demonstrations intensified after talks between the JAAC and the authorities collapsed, prompting thousands of protesters to begin a march towards Muzaffarabad.In a post on X, the Awami Action Committee has disclosed the names of the 19 people killed in the firing.

<h2>PPP worker killed in firing</h2>The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said one of its workers, Mukhtar Yunus, was killed while two others were injured in firing allegedly carried out by supporters of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). "Our party worker, Mukhtar Yunus, was killed and two others injured during incidents of firing by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates," the PPP said in a statement.PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari questioned the role of election authorities, asking, "Where are the relevant authorities? What is the Election Commission doing?"Both the PPP and the PML-N accused each other of electoral malpractice in multiple constituencies, while polling was briefly disrupted at several stations following clashes between rival supporters.The so-called assembly has 53 seats, including 45 directly elected seats and eight reserved seats for women, technocrats and clerics.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On expected lines, day of violence in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) <a href="https://t.co/X6mZ0jJTNE">https://t.co/X6mZ0jJTNE</a> <a href="https://t.co/48FrUnL4NU">pic.twitter.com/48FrUnL4NU</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://x.com/sidhant/status/2081777314732642705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">19 شہداۓ راولاکوٹ لانگ مارچ 27 جولائی 2026 بروز سوموار 1) نعیم بٹ ، کوٹلی آزاد جموں کشمیر 2) عثمان نذیر ، راولاکوٹ آزاد جموں کشمیر 3) نثار احمد ، بلوچ آزاد جموں کشمیر 4) کاشف یعقوب راولاکوٹ آزاد جموں کشمیر 5) سردار فدا حسین تراڑکھل آزاد جموں کشمیر 6) مزمل ، علی سوجل آزاد…&mdash; Awami Action Committe (@JAAC__Official) <a href="https://x.com/JAAC__Official/status/2081929140060434770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>PTI boycott, JAAC banned</h2>Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) boycotted the polls, while the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been banned by the authorities.According to PTI, more than 100 people were killed during violent clashes following last month's JAAC-led protests, which disrupted normal life in the region for nearly 50 days.The JAAC had demanded the abolition of 12 refugee seats in the assembly, a demand rejected by the government. Following the violence, authorities banned the organisation.

<h2>March began after talks failed</h2>The march towards Muzaffarabad was launched after negotiations between the JAAC and the administration failed to produce an agreement. The committee had earlier given authorities until 1 pm on July 27 to issue a notification accepting its demands, including the release of detained activists, withdrawal of criminal cases against protesters and implementation of broader reforms.When no agreement was reached, thousands gathered in Rawalakot and began marching towards the regional capital.Authorities have also postponed elections in the Sudhnoti and Rawalakot districts until August 10 due to the ongoing protest movement.

The first phase of elections to the so-called legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir turned violent, with 19 people killed, several others injured and rival parties accusing each other of poll rigging as anti-government protests continued across the region.

The first phase of elections to the so-called legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) turned violent on Monday (Jul 27), with at least 19 people killed, several others injured and rival political parties accusing each other of poll rigging amid continuing anti-government protests. The elections, originally scheduled for July 27, are being held in three phases until August 10. India does not recognise the elections held in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and has consistently maintained that Pakistan is in illegal occupation of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs has consistently opposed such polls, reiterating that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, are integral and inalienable parts of India. New Delhi has described the unrest in PoK as a direct consequence of Islamabad's "systemic exploitation and administrative oppression" in territories under its "forcible occupation". Protesters allege indiscriminate firing The election-day violence coincided with continuing demonstrations led by the JAAC, whose supporters accused Pakistani security forces of opening fire on protesters in Rawalakot. The demonstrations intensified after talks between the JAAC and the authorities collapsed, prompting thousands of protesters to begin a march towards Muzaffarabad. In a post on X, the Awami Action Committee has disclosed the names of the 19 people killed in the firing.

The first phase of elections to the so-called legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir turned violent, with 19 people killed, several others injured and rival parties accusing each other of poll rigging as anti-government protests continued across the region.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir election turns violent: 19 killed, protests intensify as rigging allegations fly

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PoK Demands Justice for Killed Protesters, People Observe Shutdown Across the Region

PoK situation reinforces J&K’s decision to join India in 1947: Omar Abdullah

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

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

19 killed, protests rage as Pak-occupied Kashmir election spirals into violence