PoK elections marred by violence, rigging allegations and political worker's killing

Updated On: 28 July, 2026 09:27 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS

The first phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was overshadowed by violent clashes, allegations of electoral rigging and the killing of a political worker. Coalition partners PML-N and PPP accused each other of violence and election malpractice as polling was held across 13 Assembly constituencies

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A polling officer opens a ballot box for counting at a polling station during the first phase of voting for the local legislature in Mirpur, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, on July 27, 2026. Polls opened on July 27 in parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir where voting for the local legislature will take place in three rounds with heavy security following protests demanding electoral reforms.(PICS/AFP)

Violent clashes, allegations of electoral rigging, and the killing of a political worker overshadowed the first phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with coalition partners accusing each other of undermining the electoral process, according to local media reports.

At least one person was killed, and several others were injured during polling, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), traded allegations of violence and election malpractice.