Deadly protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir kill 24

Deadly unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has left at least 24 people dead and brought daily life to a standstill, posing a significant domestic challenge for the government in Islamabad. The violence, the region's deadliest in years, stems from protests over electoral rules ahead of legislative assembly elections scheduled for July 27.

The unrest began ahead of a territory-wide strike on June 9, called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a local coalition of civil society groups. The JAAC was protesting the reservation of 12 seats in the 45-member regional legislative assembly for refugees displaced from Indian-administered Kashmir who now live in Pakistan. Protesters argue these seats give disproportionate political influence to people living outside the territory. The group was banned by authorities just days before the strike.

Clashes between security forces and protesters escalated in the days surrounding the shutdown. Government officials reported that at least 20 civilians were killed between June 6 and June 14, with dozens more wounded. Regional police chief Liaqat Ali Malik said four police officers were killed and 97 wounded in the clashes. Authorities...