Pakistan-administered Kashmir elections and protests – all you need to know

For the past two months, Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been gripped by deadly protests, with dozens of people losing their lives in clashes between security forces and demonstrators. The unrest began after a crackdown that effectively sealed off the city of Rawalakot from the rest of the world. At the forefront of these demonstrations is the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which claims it is fighting for various rights such as healthcare and electricity.

However, the authorities have accused the JAAC of attempting to interfere with the ongoing regional elections, claiming the group is armed and will not be permitted to leave Rawalakot. The JAAC itself was banned in June and has been labeled as foreign-funded terrorists by the government. Despite this characterization, the JAAC firmly denies being linked to any foreign entities, stating that they are peaceful protesters, though their funding does come from the Kashmiri community abroad.

The BBC was the first international media outlet to gain access to the city and interview individuals directly involved in the protests. These events are being closely monitored by Pakistan correspondent Caroline Davies, currently reporting from Islamabad.