Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Elections 2026 Begin Amid Protests, Inflation Crisis and Tight Security
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Muzaffarabad
- Jul 27, 2026
- 146
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered a crucial political phase on Monday as the first round of the 2026 Assembly elections commenced under unprecedented security arrangements. The polls are taking place against the backdrop of prolonged anti-government protests, soaring inflation, rising electricity tariffs and growing public dissatisfaction with Islamabad's policies.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has divided the election into three phases because of the prevailing security situation. Voting is being held on July 27, August 2 and August 10 across different divisions of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Three-Phase Polling Schedule Across PoK
Under the election programme, voters in 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division are casting their ballots during the first phase.
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The second phase, scheduled for August 2, will cover nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division along with 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan.
The final phase on August 10 will decide 11 Assembly seats in Poonch Division, completing the electoral exercise.
Inflation and Electricity Bills Triggered Massive Public Movement
For months, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has witnessed continuous demonstrations over skyrocketing inflation, higher electricity charges, unemployment, governance issues and alleged political interference.
The protests are spearheaded by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), which has emerged as the leading platform opposing Islamabad's policies in the region.
Several clashes between demonstrators and security forces have reportedly resulted in fatalities and injuries. What initially began as an economic protest has now developed into a broader political movement demanding greater rights and accountability.
Protesters Accuse Authorities of Excessive Force
Demonstrators have accused Pakistani security agencies of using force to suppress protests by imposing road blockades, restricting movement and disrupting communication services.
According to protest groups, these measures have affected the availability of essential commodities, including food and medicines. Many protesters have also demanded a reduction in Pakistan's military presence while questioning the constitutional structure governing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Refugee Seats Become Major Election Flashpoint
One of the biggest controversies surrounding the election involves 12 Assembly seats reserved for refugees living in Pakistan whose families migrated from Kashmir decades ago.
The JKJAAC and several regional organisations allege that these reserved constituencies allow Islamabad to influence electoral outcomes, weakening the voice of local residents while benefiting parties that control Pakistan's federal government.
Questions Raised Over Fairness of the Election
Political observers believe the election is taking place amid widespread public dissatisfaction with Pakistan's economic and administrative policies.
According to reports, concerns are being expressed over the credibility and fairness of the electoral process, with opposition groups alleging that the prevailing political atmosphere could influence the outcome.
Meanwhile, PoK Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal confirmed that large deployments of police, paramilitary personnel and army units have been made to ensure peaceful voting throughout all three phases.
Analysts Say Elections Alone May Not End Public Anger
Political analysts believe the polling process may conclude successfully, but it is unlikely to address the deeper grievances facing residents.
Issues such as inflation, unemployment, electricity costs, political representation, security operations and Islamabad's administrative control remain unresolved. Experts therefore expect political tensions to continue even after the election results are announced.
India Reiterates Its Stand on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
India (mea) has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are integral parts of India.
New Delhi has repeatedly protested Pakistan's decision to conduct elections in these territories and has never recognised the legislative institutions established there.
International organisations, including Amnesty International, have expressed concern over reports of violence during protests, while the UN Human Rights Office has called for impartial investigations into deaths linked to the unrest.
Nawaz Sharif Makes High-Profile Election Promise
Campaigning ahead of the polls, former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif declared during a rally in Muzaffarabad that, if his party wins, he would request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint him as the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir so he could personally oversee development projects.
Sharif also said Kashmir holds a special place in his heart, describing it as his ancestral homeland and second home.
The principal electoral contest is between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), although both parties currently share power in Pakistan's federal coalition government.
Political Background: From PTI Victory to Leadership Changes
The PoK Legislative Assembly has a five-year tenure.
In the 2021 Assembly election, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured 25 of the 45 seats, enabling it to form the government under Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi.
After political developments in Pakistan during 2022, Niazi resigned and was replaced by Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, who was later disqualified by the PoK High Court in 2023 following a contempt of court ruling.
He was succeeded by Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, who later distanced himself from PTI and emerged as an independent political figure.
Following a no-confidence motion in November 2025, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) assumed office as the new Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
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