Protests erupt in PoK, Nawaz Sharif's party accused of rigging elections

New Delhi: Mass protests broke out in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday, after locals alleged that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, rigged the July 21 polls that were held here, with the help of ISI.

Massive unrest was reported in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari and Mirpur regions of PoK, where locals took to the streets alleging that genuine voters were prevented from voting, and also claimed that the elections results were tampered with.

Some regions also reported clashes between civilians and Pakistani security forces.

The protests have prompted a massive shutdown in the region that has seen massive discontentment following the murder of a Muslim Conference activist by supporters of the ruling PML(N).

Protestors also demanded that fresh elections be held in the region.

Elections were held in PoK on July 21, in which the PML(N) saw a landslide victory, winning more than 30 of the 40 seats in PoK.

A video footage allegedly from the region, shows protesters taking to the roads, setting fire to tyres and creating roadblocks.

Commenting on the development, Indian Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that Pakistan and Nawaz Sharif must treat this as an eye-opener and advised Pakistan to focus on it's own human rights record before pointing fingers at India, reported DD news.