Muzaffarabad

PML-N and PPP each secured one seat in Muzaffarabad division following delayed elections caused by landslides and weather disruptions. PML-N's Noreen Arif won LA-27 (Kutla) with 18,919 votes, while PPP's Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi secured LA-28 (Lachhrat) with 28,214 votes. The second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections included 12 refugee-reserved seats and faced protests over the inclusion of these seats.

Protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) have escalated from economic grievances like electricity bills and flour prices into broader challenges to Islamabad’s governance. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of traders, students, and activists, leads the unrest, demanding political and economic reforms amid high youth unemployment and poor public services.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) alleged rigging in two Muzaffarabad constituencies during Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, citing incidents of ballot stuffing, intimidation, and staff misconduct. Polling in LA-27 and LA-28 was delayed due to landslides and bad weather, while the PPP accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of electoral malpractices. PML-N's election coordinator denied the claims, attributing their early-phase victories to public trust.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused PML-N of rigging in Azad Kashmir elections, warning their 'countdown' has begun. The PPP and PML-N, allies in the Centre, are in conflict over election disputes, with Bilawal planning a rally in AJK's Bagh town ahead of August 10 elections. The AJK Election Commission noted law and order issues may affect polling.

Residents in Muzaffarabad, located in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, have boycotted an election amid a strike. The boycott follows a deadly crackdown in the region.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned that stealing the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) election would trigger a 'countdown' for the federal government. Addressing a rally in Muzaffarabad ahead of August 2 elections, he urged the PML-N and PTI to abandon boycott tactics and focus on fair political processes, emphasizing mass voter turnout to prevent electoral rigging.

Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir accused the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and militants from the Pakistani Taliban of attempting to sabotage regional elections and infiltrating protests. Clashes between security forces and armed protesters resulted in at least one paramilitary officer killed and several others wounded, with unconfirmed reports of protester casualties.

Thousands gathered in Rawalakot before marching towards Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir amid election unrest. The protest highlights ongoing tensions in the region.

Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz pledged infrastructure and welfare projects for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including an international airport and electric buses, amid PPP criticism over electioneering tactics. PPP accused the PML-N of making pre-poll promises and urged the Election Commission to address the issue.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts widespread monsoon rains, thunderstorms, and windstorms across multiple regions of Pakistan from July 18 to July 25, with warnings of potential damage from strong winds, lightning, and flash floods in mountainous and hilly areas.

Azad Kashmir has experienced violent protests since June led by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), resulting in approximately 30 deaths. The JAAC's demand to abolish refugee seats in the AJK legislature has caused a deadlock, while political actors propose negotiations to restore calm ahead of regional polls.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) postponed its planned long march on Muzaffarabad for a week following back-channel negotiations involving intermediaries like Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Chairman Syed Qamar Raza and Chaudhry Zafar Anwar. Talks aimed at resolving the standoff reportedly reached broad agreement, with remaining issues to be finalized, while no violence was reported in Poonch and Sudhnoti.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted rain, windstorms, and thundershowers in upper regions from Friday night to Monday, affecting areas like Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, and Dir. Similar conditions are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other cities, with warnings of landslides, urban flooding, and structural damage.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) announced a July 14 deadline for the acceptance of its demands, threatening to resume a march on Muzaffarabad if unmet. Two people were killed near Rawalakot during clashes between law enforcement and JAAC activists blocking a food convoy.

Clashes between protesters and law enforcement were reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following demonstrations organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Injuries were reported in Mirpur district, while internet services remained suspended for 30 days. Some protests in other areas, including Khaliqabad and Islamgarh, remained peaceful.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the law and order situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after month-long protests by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The intensity of protests has subsided, with ongoing demonstrations in Rawalakot and calm in Muzaffarabad. The PM emphasized prioritizing public service and resolving issues.

Confusion surrounds the reported arrest of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, with activists claiming his capture while officials remain silent. Mir, a wanted figure facing sedition charges, was reportedly detained near Airan Nullah, along with two other suspects, though no official confirmation was provided. The government continues to search for other JAAC leaders Sohaib Javed and Hafeez Hamdani.

The AJK government has rejected a blanket amnesty for leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), citing their responsibility for recent violence and deaths. The dispute centers on the JAAC's demand to abolish 12 Legislative Assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The government offered constitutional avenues for dialogue but accused the JAAC of expanding demands from two to 38 points.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) listed 147 activists and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act. A standoff between JAAC protesters and law enforcement in Rawalakot continued, with a region-wide strike entering its 11th day and disrupting daily life in Poonch and Muzaffarabad divisions.

A mass funeral was held for 22 Pakistani soldiers killed in a military helicopter crash in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The crash, attributed to a technical fault, left no survivors, and an investigation is underway. The soldiers were traveling to perform security duties amid heightened tensions following recent attacks on security personnel.

A Pakistan military helicopter crashed in Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of all individuals on board. Heavy security has been deployed in Muzaffarabad due to ongoing protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

A Pakistani army MI-17 helicopter crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir due to a technical fault, killing all military personnel on board. The crash occurred near Muzaffarabad during a protest by the Joint Awami Action Committee, though no link was suggested. Rescue teams responded, and a board of inquiry was ordered to investigate the cause.

A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad during take-off due to a technical fault, resulting in no survivors. Rescue teams reached the site, and a board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause. Military leaders expressed grief over the loss of personnel.

Sedition cases and a Rs10 million reward for information against leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) were ordered in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following clashes between law enforcers and protesters. Clashes resulted in injuries and feared deaths, with a government-led shutdown and internet blackout complicating information flow.

A strike called by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) disrupted business and transport in Pakistan-administered Kashmir following clashes between the group's supporters and security forces that killed seven people. The strike followed a court ruling protecting 12 legislative seats for Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan, which the JAAC opposes, and authorities have deployed security forces and suspended internet access to curb the protest.

A strike by the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) left Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), largely deserted, with shops and traffic closed. AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore called for renewed negotiations to ease tensions, as JAAC demands the abolition of 12 Legislative Assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) prepares for a planned protest march by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) from Bhimber to Muzaffarabad, amid government opposition and recent clashes that killed seven civilians and four law enforcement personnel. Officials claim the group’s leadership is 'on the run' and anticipate limited participation due to a crackdown that arrested over 200 individuals.