Voters head to polls in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir despite boycott calls

Residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir are casting b…

Residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir are casting ballots in regional elections on Sunday, a process overshadowed by demands for greater political autonomy and organized appeals for a voter boycott.

The vote comes at a time when the disputed territory remains a flashpoint in the long-standing rivalry between Pakistan and India, with both nations claiming the region in full but controlling only parts of it. While Pakistani officials have framed the election as an exercise in democratic expression, opposition groups have dismissed it as a symbolic gesture that does little to address the territory's limited self-governance.

Calls for a boycott have gained traction among activists who argue that the elections are meaningless as long as the region lacks true legislative powers. Many residents say that the assembly in Muzaffarabad, the administrative capital, functions largely as a consultative body, with key decisions on defense, foreign affairs, and constitutional matters remaining in Islamabad's hands.

These grievances have been amplified in recent months

These grievances have been amplified in recent months by a growing civil society movement that seeks a referendum on the territory's future, echoing a demand long made by separatist factions. The movement has also criticized the electoral process for excluding certain political groups, particularly those advocating for independence from Pakistan.

Authorities have deployed additional security forces across the region to maintain order during the polling, though no major incidents were reported in the early hours. Election officials say turnout will be measured in the coming hours, but independent observers expect a lower participation rate than in previous polls, reflecting the boycott's impact.

For many voters, however, the election remains a chance to voice frustration over local issues such as unemployment, inflation, and inadequate public services. "We know the limits, but we still want to choose who speaks for us on matters that affect our daily lives," said a shopkeeper in Muzaffarabad, who asked not to be named.

The results are expected within two days, with

The results are expected within two days, with the main contest likely to be between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, both of which have pledged to push for more powers for the region. Analysts say that regardless of the outcome, the deeper question of Kashmir's political status will remain unresolved, as both Islamabad and New Delhi continue to resist international calls for dialogue on the territory's future.