30 killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir as election protests turn deadly

Protests during regional elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have resulted in over 30 deaths, according to leaders of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), following clashes with security forces ahead of the second round of voting. Pakistan's ruling party, PML-N, secured nine out of 13 seats in the first round. The Imran Khan-founded PTI boycotted the election due to fraud concerns, while the JAAC, banned in June, has accused Islamabad of political interference and economic neglect. Authorities confirmed one security personnel killed and five injured, and an official reported at least three protester fatalities in Mirpur. Pakistani officials allege armed, India-backed militants joined the protesters, a claim India has rejected. Residents like Fazal Mahmood Baig stated, "The entire election was a fraud."