International media have reported that protests turned violent in parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir during regional elections, with clashes breaking out between demonstrators and security forces.
Reuters reported on Thursday, July 30, that more than 30 people were killed in clashes around the city of Rawalakot ahead of the second phase of the elections.
According to the announced results, Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 contested seats in Monday’s elections across the districts of Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber.
The elections were originally scheduled to be held in a single phase on July 27. However, citing security concerns, election authorities decided to divide the voting process into three phases based on districts.
The second and third phases of the elections are scheduled to take place on August 2 and August 10, respectively, with voting set to continue in the remaining districts.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
