MEA calls PoK elections a farce, flags 90 deaths

India's Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday dismissed elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a "complete farce," asserting that at least 90 civilians have been killed in a crackdown since June. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such exercises cannot hide reality. The three-phase poll for 45 seats runs July 27–August 10, with PML-N leading early results. Jaiswal also clarified that a Sheikh Hasina event in New Delhi is private, not government-endorsed.