Elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been severely disrupted by violence, allegations of electoral manipulation, and reports of enforced disappearances, casting a long shadow over a polling process already mired in public distrust. The Joint Action Awami Committee (JAAC), which has led the region's sustained protest movement, has repeatedly called on residents to maintain peace — but violence has continued to erupt across multiple areas.

Violence Allegedly Engineered, Not Spontaneous

According to an Intelligence Bureau (IB) official, the unrest did not originate from the local population. 'Inputs from the region indicate that Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were instructed to infiltrate the protests. Their objective was to blend in with the demonstrators, instigate violence and then flee the scene, leaving the impression that the protesters drove the unrest,' the official said.

The violence allegedly orchestrated by these elements provided security agencies a pretext to use force against ordinary demonstrators, the official added. Most protesters, according to the official, were unaware of what was happening or why force was being deployed against them. As of 30 July, nearly 37 people have died and around 200 have been injured over a three-day period.

Pakistan Army's Alleged Role in Suppressing Protests

A separate official claimed the Pakistan Army has set up a mechanism within PoK to engineer violence as a pretext to crush dissent. According to this account, the PoK Sector Commander was recently summoned by the army's top brass and instructed to deploy hired thugs and militants at protest sites to incite clashes, then ensure their safe exit before the situation was blamed on protesters.

These infiltrators reportedly burned government vehicles and buildings, pelted stones, and — in what officials described as the most extreme act — opened fire on civilians. The JAAC has since urged residents to stay vigilant against further infiltration attempts, vowing that protests will continue until all demands are met.

Electoral Landscape and Legitimacy Crisis

Polling in PoK is being conducted in three phases between 27 July and 10 August. The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) has so far won nine of the 13 seats declared, with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) claiming the rest. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chose to boycott the elections entirely.

A party requires at least 27 seats to secure a majority in the 53-member Assembly. Of the total seats, 45 are filled through direct elections, while the remaining 8 are reserved seats.

Officials warned that even if the PML-N ultimately forms the government, it is unlikely to command public legitimacy. A large section of the population reportedly believes the party colluded with the Pakistan Army to tilt the electoral outcome in its favour.

Underlying Grievances Fuelling Unrest

The protests in PoK are not new. For years, residents have complained of official neglect, poor living conditions, and economic hardship. Their core demands include lower electricity tariffs, food subsidies, and an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite — including free fuel, luxury perks, and excessive benefits extended to government officials and ministers.

The JAAC has made clear that offers of dialogue extended by the PoK leadership and the Pakistan establishment are not genuine, and that only sustained protest pressure can force meaningful concessions.

Political Fallout and What Comes Next

The turmoil has also widened cracks within Pakistan's federal coalition. The PML-N and the PPP, allies at the Centre, are reportedly at odds over the PoK situation. Officials believe conditions in the region are likely to deteriorate further in the coming weeks, and that any incoming government will find it increasingly difficult to govern amid persistent unrest.

With voting still ongoing and the death toll rising, the international community's attention on PoK is unlikely to ease anytime soon.