On 28 August 2026 lawmakers in Pakistan‑administered Kashmir elected Syed Iftikhar Ali Gillani of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League‑N as prime minister after he secured 30 of 44 votes in the legislative assembly — a result that many say is unlikely to heal deep political and social wounds in the territory. The vote concluded an election cycle held from 5 June to 10 August 2026 that was marred by lethal unrest and a heavy security presence.
In the run‑up to and during the polls at least 51 people — including 45 civilians and six security personnel — were killed and at least 133 others seriously injured. Reported incidents include 11 deaths on 7 June in Rawalakot; at least nine deaths in Tararkhal and Rawalakot on 14 July; around 30 deaths near Rawalakot and Mirpur on 27–28 July; and the death of protester Raja Ehsan in Athmuqam Tehsil on 2 August. The killing of British national Mohammad Akhtar in Pakistan‑administered Kashmir on 9 June was reported publicly only on 10 August 2026.
Hundreds of people have been arrested since the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) was banned as a terrorist organisation on 5 June 2006, according to the reports. The government also issued travel advisories urging outsiders to avoid the region and instructed visitors, particularly tourists, to leave immediately, effectively limiting access for independent observers and reporters.
The unrest drew international condemnation. On 17 July 2026 the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, “called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths that have occurred due to the unrest, both amongst protesters and members of security forces,” and expressed concern about the criminalisation of civil society and strict limits on public gatherings that risk infringing freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on 28 July 2026 called the deaths “a stark reminder of the human cost” and urged an immediate end to violence, independent investigations and accountability for any unlawful use of force.
Amnesty International also condemned reported lethal force by security personnel and, on 28 July 2028, urged prompt, independent and transparent investigations, restoration of internet and mobile services, access for media and observers, and lifting the JAAC ban, warning that anti‑terror laws should not be used to suppress peaceful protest.
Instead of strengthening democratic legitimacy, the election was overshadowed by protests, alleged extrajudicial killings, mass arrests and a boycott by the JAAC and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf, led by Imran Khan, while the Pakistan Peoples Party remained a principal contestant. JAAC’s demands included subsidised education, improved public healthcare, airport development and regional connectivity, restoration of internet services, and the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees living elsewhere in Pakistan — seats that JAAC says allow mainland parties to influence government formation despite those representatives not residing in the territory.
Critics warn that unless Pakistan removes the terrorist designation from the JAAC, releases hundreds of detainees and conducts credible investigations into alleged human rights violations to ensure accountability, unrest in the region is likely to continue. On 29 July 2026 Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described protesters as “enemies” comparable to India and ruled out dialogue, a stance that observers say increases the risk of prolonged unrest.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/opinion/elections-leave-pakistan-administered-kashmir-more-wounded/62557/
Category: Opinion,Pakistan-administered Kashmir
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Publish Date: 2026-08-30 07:29:00
