Violence, allegations of electoral fraud, and the tragic death of a political worker have marred the initial phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). During polling, one person lost their life, and several others sustained injuries. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have exchanged accusations of violence and election irregularities.
The PPP claimed that one of its workers, Mukhtar Younus, aged 35, was fatally shot in Kotli district while polling in Nikyal was ongoing. The party blamed PML-N supporters for the gunfire. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed sorrow over the incident and criticized the authorities for their response, questioning the Election Commission’s actions.
In a joint press conference, Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani accused the PML-N of instigating the violence. The Express Tribune reported that both the PML-N and the PPP, who are coalition partners in the federal government, traded accusations of rigging as the death of a party worker cast a shadow over the electoral process in PoK.
The first phase of polling in PoK occurred with over 1.4 million registered voters participating. Voting took place in 13 Assembly constituencies across Bhimber, Mirpur, and Kotli districts. The PoK government urged high voter turnout and declared a public holiday on the polling day. Major parties like PML-N, PPP, and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) are contesting, with approximately 300 candidates vying for the 13 seats in this election phase.
An official has raised concerns, alleging that the electoral process in PoK is a facade, with the Pakistan military already determining the outcome. The military, led by Field Marshal Asim Munir, is reportedly keen on maintaining control over PoK’s political landscape to suppress any potential future protests through force.
