'Discontent answered with bullets': MEA slams Pakistan over PoK crackdown

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) appears poised to form the next government in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following the loss of two former "premiers" in the third phase of elections. Unofficial results released on Tuesday show that former leaders of the region, once considered central figures in local politics, have been ousted from their traditional strongholds. Incumbent premier Faisal Mumtaz Rathore of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) retained his seat, marking a key victory for his party. The election process, however, was again marred by violence and allegations of rigging, prompting the postponement of polling in seven constituencies until August 21. These delays come amid heightened tensions in the region, where protests have continued to challenge the authority of Islamabad. Elections in four constituencies took place on Monday, with the PML-N emerging as the dominant force. The party secured two of the four contested seats, alongside one win for the Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party, which is supported by both Jamaat-e-Islami and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The results reflect a significant shift in political power within PoK, particularly in the Western Bagh district, where former premier Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, backed by the PML-N, lost his seat to the Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party candidate Sardar Sajid Iqbal. This constituency, previously held by the Muslim Conference and PML-N since 1985, saw a decisive change in leadership. In Central Bagh, PPP's Zia Qamar retained his seat, defeating PML-N candidate Mushtaq Minhas. In Eastern Bagh, the outcome remains pending after authorities ordered a re-poll at 12 polling stations. Current results indicate that PML-N candidate Sardar Mir Akbar leads, based on data from 174 of the constituency's 186 polling stations, ahead of PPP candidate Sardar Qamaruz Zaman Khan. The PML-N has thus far secured 25 of the 45 directly elected seats, while the PPP holds 12 and the Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party one. This tally underscores the PML-N's growing influence in the region, despite the turbulent nature of the electoral process. The election follows a period of intense political unrest, with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leading demonstrations demanding the abolition of 12 refugee seats, which they claim are used to manipulate the composition of the regional government. Protests have persisted since early June, with reports of numerous casualties. The JAAC alleges that over 40 protesters have been killed since the beginning of the demonstrations, though the Pakistani government has dismissed these claims as exaggerated. A senior advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah, acknowledged that fatalities from the unrest were in the "double figures." The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has condemned Pakistan's handling of the situation in PoK, describing the crackdown on protesters as a "gross violation of human rights." Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called for international accountability, highlighting the use of bullets and blackouts to suppress dissent. The MEA noted that over 90 individuals, including protesters, security personnel, and bystanders, were killed in clashes during June and July. These incidents have drawn global attention, further complicating the political landscape in the disputed territory. With the PML-N consolidating its position, the upcoming formation of a new government in PoK will likely involve negotiations among the major political factions. The outcome could have significant implications for the region's governance and the broader geopolitical dynamics involving India and Pakistan. The next steps will depend on the finalized election results and the ability of the PML-N to secure a majority, potentially reshaping the political future of PoK.