Pakistan-administered Kashmir delays some polls over security concerns

Polling in two districts of disputed Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been postponed because of security concerns, the election commission said Friday, days before voting was 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 will be announced after reviewing the situation," it added.

The postponement comes after unrest was 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 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 in the Himalayan region had 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.