Pakistan Kashmir elections continue amid protests

Regional elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are moving into a second phase, despite months of deadly protests against the electoral process. Voting is underway in the Muzaffarabad capital district, with controversial polling stations also opening across Pakistan.

Protests erupted in early June, fueled by local election laws that permit refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir living in other Pakistani provinces to cast their ballots for the Kashmiri regional government. This has sparked fears among observers that Islamabad could use the provision to influence local affairs.

At least one person was reportedly killed in Kashmir during protests on Friday, with solidarity demonstrations occurring in cities like Islamabad and Lahore. Weeks of sit-in protests and a widespread internet shutdown have marked the lead-up to the vote in the Himalayan region, which is claimed by both India and Pakistan.

The current elections are taking place in the Pakistan-controlled part of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The article notes it will be updated as the situation develops.