- By Ajeet Kumar
- Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:05 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- PoK elections marred by violence, fraud, and one fatality.
- Protests spread to major cities, facing police crackdown.
- Pakistan imposed digital censorship, blocking news and Al Jazeera.
A resident of Neelum Valley was killed after security forces reportedly opened fire on demonstrators in Athmuqam Tehsil as the second phase of the so-called legislative elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) ended amid widespread violence, low turnout and allegations of electoral fraud. The deceased has been identified as Raja Ehsan.
According to reported details, the fatal incident occurred during firing at protesters in Athmuqam Tehsil, triggering heightened tension across the region during the polling process. The second phase of the disputed legislative assembly polls, which ended on Sunday, was marred by serious allegations of vote-rigging, severe unrest and poor voter participation. Polling took place across 21 constituencies, comprising nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division alongside 12 refugee seats, even as intense demonstrations and a heavy security presence left several pockets on edge.
#WATCH | Neelum Valley, PoJK | Raja Ehsan, a resident of Neelum Valley in PoJK was killed during reported firing on protesters at Athmuqam. The incident occurred during the second phase of polling in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir, amid heightened tensions in the area. (02.08)… pic.twitter.com/FjLOmpUHw3
— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2026
PoK turmoil has now reached major urban centres
Highlighting the expanding footprint of the turmoil, the rising unrest in PoK has now reached major urban centres, with protests spilling into Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A protest call was made by students outside Rawalpindi Press Club on Sunday evening from 5 pm (local time) onwards, where a large number of students assembled, including those from PoK. A heavy crackdown by police ensued, featuring mass arrests and baton charges. However, no reports of firing emerged from the site.
These fresh developments come as the election witnessed widespread disruptions, logistical failures and continuing protests on Sunday, casting a shadow over the process and raising fresh questions over its credibility.
Demonstrations unfolded across PoK and within Kashmiri communities in various Pakistani cities, including large protest gatherings in Karachi, where demonstrators criticised the electoral process and demanded political reforms. According to sources, police detained several protesters and student leaders during the demonstrations. Reflecting the scale of local resistance, the voting process was disrupted in several constituencies due to road blockades and widespread protests.
Global media restricted in PoK
Digital censorship measures have been escalated in Pakistan, with access reportedly being restricted to various news websites across Pakistan following widespread media reports and critical coverage of the ongoing unrest in PoK.
In tandem with the blocking of local and regional digital news domains, incoming reports indicate that international broadcasters, including Al Jazeera English, have also become inaccessible to users within parts of the country.
The restrictions target platforms reporting on the recent wave of protests, alleged security crackdowns, and mounting public grievances in the region. However, there has been no official confirmation from Pakistan regarding the restrictions.
The moves come amid heightened sensitivity over information flows regarding the political climate and local resistance movements in PoJK.
Earlier, Al Jazeera reported that the judicial magistrate court in Islamabad said it was seeking the ban after the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency criticised various YouTube channels in a June 2 report for "sharing highly intimidating, provocative and derogatory contents against state institutions and officials of the state of Pakistan".
The channels at risk of being blocked in Pakistan include those belonging to the main opposition party, its leader and jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as well as several journalists critical of the government, according to a court order dated June 24.
Notably, earlier in July, Al Jazeera reported that an Islamabad judicial magistrate court sought to block several YouTube channels following a June 2 report by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. The agency criticised these platforms for allegedly sharing highly intimidating, provocative, and derogatory content targeting state institutions and officials.
As detailed in a June 24 court order cited by Al Jazeera, the channels facing potential bans include those associated with the primary opposition party, its leadership, and jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, alongside multiple journalists known for their government criticism.
Al Jazeera noted that digital rights campaigners have warned that these bans would further suppress freedom of expression in Pakistan. With traditional television and print media heavily stifled by authorities, social media remains one of the few remaining avenues for public dissent.
Additionally, YouTube notified 27 content creators that their channels risk being removed if they fail to comply with the court directives, Al Jazeera reported.
(With inputs from ANI)