Pakistan-administered Kashmir reopens markets after election unrest killed 80
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Muzaffarabad's Madina Market and Mirpur's public transport have resumed operations after weeks of unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The reopening follows a contentious general election held from July 27 to August 10, during which at least 80 people were killed. Security forces remain visibly deployed across the region.
Key Facts
- At least 80 people were killed across Pakistan-administered Kashmir during the general election held from July 27 to August 10.
- The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) emerged victorious in the election.
- Muzaffarabad's Madina Market, a major regional commercial hub, has reopened after weeks of turmoil.
- Mirpur, the region's second largest city, has resumed intracity public transportation.
- Pakistan-administered Kashmir still has a visibly heightened deployment of security personnel.
Election Violence
The general election in Pakistan-administered Kashmir was held from July 27 to August 10. At least 80 people were killed across the region during the election period. The election was widely deemed contentious owing to allegations of polling day irregularities and pre-election machinations alleged to benefit status quo parties. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which lead the ruling alliance in Islamabad, emerged victorious. Tariq Rehman, a schoolteacher in Kotli, told The Diplomat that the elections were a sham and that all votes went to one party: the Pakistan army.
Return to Normalcy
Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, houses the Prime Minister's Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly. The Madina Market of Muzaffarabad, a major regional commercial hub, has reopened to economic activity following weeks of turmoil. Mirpur, the region's second largest city, has resumed intracity public transportation, allowing locals to move between Pakistan and the territory Islamabad dubs Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan-administered Kashmir still has a visibly heightened deployment of security personnel.
Political Status
Pakistan's military establishment has maintained control over the region since the 1947 partition divided Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan. In August 2019, India revoked Article 370 of its constitution, undoing the special status of Indian-administered Kashmir. Multiple Pakistani government sources, including military officials, have told The Diplomat that there have been plans to mainstream Pakistani-administered Kashmir, effectively upholding the Line of Control as an international border. Calls to divide Pakistan's existing provinces have also gathered pace in recent months.
1 source
Pakistan-administered Kashmir reopens markets after election unrest killed 80
