Pakistan-administered Kashmir polls delayed over security

Polling in two districts of disputed Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been postponed because of security concerns, the election commission said Friday, days before voting had been due to take place.

The third phase of elections was scheduled for August 10, but polling in Poonch and Palandri has been postponed. The commission said a new date and revised schedule would be announced after the situation is reviewed.

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, 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 organisations covered protests and elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The information minister and the ministry's external media wing did not immediately respond to AFP's questions about whether the unrest prompted the new guidelines.

Digital monitor NetBlocks reported internet restrictions 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 them since 1947.