Final vote delayed in parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir over security fears

Monday 10 - 10:47

By: Sahili Aya

Final vote delayed in parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir over security fears

The final round of legislative elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir was disrupted on Monday, August 10, 2026, after authorities postponed voting in seven of the remaining 11 constituencies due to concerns over the security situation.

The decision comes weeks after deadly protests and clashes erupted across the region, resulting in road closures and an internet blackout in some areas. The unrest has created a politically sensitive situation for Pakistan, which frequently criticizes India over its handling of dissent in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N), the ruling party, has already secured 24 of the 34 seats contested during the first two rounds and is expected to form the regional government. However, the party has faced allegations of electoral irregularities from its main rival, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

PPP leader Hassan Murtaza said delays at polling stations were evidence of possible electoral fraud. PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah rejected the accusations, describing them as baseless and insisting that his party would form the next government.

Candidates affiliated with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which won the previous election five years ago, have boycotted the vote, also citing allegations of electoral manipulation.

The election delays follow violent protests led in part by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has opposed longstanding electoral rules in the region. JAAC leaders said more than 30 people were killed around Rawalakot during clashes with security forces, although Reuters said it could not independently verify the figure.

The group was banned by the regional government in June. It has also criticized the system of reserved legislative seats for people officially classified as refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, arguing that the system allows authorities in Islamabad to influence regional politics. Pakistani officials have rejected those accusations.