Protests and Blockades Disrupt PoJK Election Second Phase

The second phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) faced widespread disruptions, logistical failures, and protests on August 2, 2026. The Government of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir scheduled polling across 21 constituencies, including nine in the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies. Road blockades in constituencies LA-27 Kotli and LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II prevented election staff and materials from reaching stations, forcing authorities to postpone polling in Kotli.

Unrest expanded beyond the region to major cities including Islamabad, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. In Rawalpindi, police responded to student gatherings at the Press Club with baton charges and mass arrests. In Rawalakot, security forces reportedly engaged in intermittent firing during protests. A separate sit-in at Dreak Eidgah has persisted for nearly 50 days.

Opposition groups and protesters are demanding political reforms and questioning the credibility of the electoral process. Some voter groups reportedly boycotted the polls as a mark of protest, while others organized a planned long march toward Muzaffarabad.