Pakistan-administered Kashmir is experiencing its most severe political crisis in years following weeks of protests over electoral reforms that have resulted in deadly clashes. According to rights group Amnesty International, at least 40 people have died since the unrest began, including 34 protesters and six police and paramilitary personnel as of July 28.

The protests have led to staggered regional elections, with voting announced for July 27 in Mirpur division, August 2 in Muzaffarabad division and for 12 disputed refugee seats, and the final round scheduled for August 10 in Poonch division. The second phase of voting took place on Sunday, August 2, amid calls for a boycott by local activists and business shutdowns in Muzaffarabad, the region’s main city.

The contested seats in the legislature are reserved for Kashmiri refugees who migrated to Pakistan after 1947 and now reside outside the region. The elections are occurring under a partial internet blackout that has been in place since June 5, as reported by independent observer NetBlocks.

These developments highlight ongoing tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where demands for electoral reforms intersect with broader issues of governance and representation.

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