11 Killed in Kashmir Pre-Election Clashes

Eleven people, including four police officers, were killed and 23 injured during violent clashes in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir ahead of a planned political protest. The violence erupted when police and paramilitary forces attempted to disperse supporters of the Joint People’s Action Committee (JAAC), who reportedly opened fire on security personnel. The group had organized the demonstration ahead of the July 27 regional elections to protest the allocation of 12 out of 45 assembly seats to refugees. Driven by broader economic and political grievances, the alliance is demanding the elimination of these reserved seats for candidates residing outside of Kashmir.