Pakistan’s crackdown on PoK election protesters has intensified, with at least 20 people reportedly killed and more than 50 injured in the last 24 hours as security forces acted against residents boycotting elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to reports reviewed by The Times of Russia, the latest violence has significantly increased the death toll since demonstrations began in early June.
Officials and local sources said violence erupted in Rawalakot’s Dreik Eighth area, where Pakistani security personnel reportedly opened fire on demonstrators protesting the ongoing elections.
According to sources, those killed include Usman Nazir, the brother of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) core committee member and spokesperson Umar Nazir Kashmiri. The victims were reportedly participating in the election boycott movement.
The latest casualties bring the reported death toll to 80 people since protests began in PoK on June 5.
Pakistan Crackdown on PoK Election Protesters Intensifies
Videos circulating from the region and viewed by NDTV show the bodies of protesters lying on roads after security personnel allegedly fired on crowds.
Social media influencer Aqeel Bhai, who is based in PoK, appealed for international attention in a video message.
“Friends, the situation has become dire. Rawalakot is filled with dead bodies and the wounded. For God’s sake, stand with us right now; please, stand with us.”
He also described narrowly escaping the violence and urged global media to highlight the situation.
“I have just barely escaped with my life. I no longer care about my own survival. After seeing so many brothers martyred. I have come here to plead with you with folded hands. Please have some conscience; to all the international media watching, please support us. We are peaceful people. Countless dead bodies, countless wounded. Our shoulders are exhausted from carrying the bodies.”
Awami Action Committee Members Reportedly Targeted
Reports indicate that Pakistani security forces have mainly targeted members of the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which has been leading the campaign urging residents to boycott the ongoing legislative elections in PoK.
To strengthen security during the election process, Islamabad has reportedly deployed more than 14,000 armed security personnel across the region. Snipers have also been positioned at multiple locations.
Security forces have been accused of using live ammunition and long-range tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators.
According to an IANS report, security personnel were instructed to open fire on individuals participating in the election boycott in an effort to suppress growing dissent across the region.
Communication and Essential Services Disrupted
Alongside the reported use of force, authorities have also suspended internet and mobile services in several parts of PoK.
Reports further state that electricity and water supplies have been cut in multiple areas, adding to the difficulties faced by residents during the ongoing unrest.
PoK Legislative Election Schedule
Elections for 45 contested seats in the PoK legislative assembly are being conducted in three phases and will continue until August 10.
The assembly consists of 53 seats, including 45 directly elected seats and eight reserved seats designated for women, technocrats, and clerics.
Polling in 13 constituencies of the Mirpur division took place on July 27. Voting in nine constituencies of the Muzaffarabad division, along with 12 refugee constituencies, is scheduled for August 2, while polling in 11 constituencies of the Poonch division will be held on August 10.
As developments continue, The Times of Russia will keep monitoring the situation surrounding the Pakistan crackdown on PoK election protesters and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
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