Islamabad, Aug 7 (V7N) - Polling in two districts of disputed Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been postponed due to security concerns, the election commission announced Friday, days before voting was scheduled to take place.
The third phase of elections was set for August 10, but polling in Poonch and Palandri has been delayed. "A new date and revised schedule will be announced after reviewing the situation," the commission said.
The postponement follows unrest sparked by demands to abolish 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for people who migrated from the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir. The movement was led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which the government banned under anti-terrorism laws.
Pakistan's government also instructed international media to seek permission to report outside major cities after foreign news organizations covered protests and elections in the region. The information minister did not immediately respond to AFP's queries about whether the unrest prompted the new guidelines.
Internet restrictions were also reported by digital monitor NetBlocks in the region, which residents said affected voter turnout during the first two phases of the elections.
Kashmir is claimed in full by both India and Pakistan but has been divided between the two countries since 1947.
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