Why is Pakistan-administered Kashmir facing its biggest political crisis in years?

Pakistan-administered Kashmir is undergoing one of its most serious political crises in recent years, marked by deadly protests, a prolonged internet blackout and a regional election taking place amid heightened security.

The unrest has been driven by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of civil society groups that has emerged as the main opposition force to the regional government. Authorities have designated the JAAC a proscribed organisation, while the group says it is campaigning for economic relief and political reforms, says Al Jazeera.

Here is what you need to know.

What has triggered the unrest?

The protests stem from a broad set of demands presented by the JAAC, which has submitted a 38-point charter calling for economic measures and changes to the political system.

The group's demands include electricity subsidies and reforms to how the Pakistan-administered Kashmir region is governed. A central point of contention is the composition of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly.

The demonstrations have escalated into deadly clashes between protesters and security forces, making the crisis one of the most serious in the territory in recent years.

Why are refugee seats at the centre of the dispute?

The JAAC is seeking the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly that are reserved for Kashmiri refugees living elsewhere in Pakistan.

The group argues that the arrangement allows Pakistan's federal political parties to exert influence over regional politics and direct development resources away from residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The JAAC says: "All seats in the legislature 'must go to those who actually reside in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and not to people living in other constituencies scattered across Pakistan.'"

The AJK Supreme Court has ruled that the refugee seats are constitutionally protected. The JAAC nevertheless maintains that legislative representation should be limited to residents living within the region.

What has been the government's response?

The government has rejected the JAAC's allegations and says many of the group's demands have already been addressed.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), said 35 of the 38 demands of the JAAC "have been implemented," and the remaining proposals are either "unfeasible or blocked by court rulings."

Authorities have also taken security measures following the violence. A partial internet blackout has been in place since 5 June, and federal paramilitary forces have been deployed.

Pakistan's military has defended the state's response. Lieutenant-General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director-general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said: "Kashmiris hold a special place in Pakistan's heart."

He also said the state has the "sole authority to use force" and violence by any group is "unacceptable."

The government has additionally accused "vested interests in India" of attempting to incite unrest.

How many people have been killed?

The exact death toll remains disputed.

Residents estimate that more than 50 people have been killed, including at least seven law enforcement personnel.

Amnesty International has said at least 40 people have been killed and called for a "transparent investigation" into the use of force against protesters.

How have the elections been affected?

Despite the unrest, authorities proceeded with the three-phase election for the AJK Legislative Assembly.

Voting began on 27 July and is scheduled to conclude on 10 Aug.

The election is being held under heightened security and during the partial internet blackout, with the political crisis continuing throughout the campaign period.