Opinion | Grave Concerns in POK: The Struggles of Ordinary People Under Military Rule

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) has often been portrayed by Pakistan as a bastion of freedom and autonomy, a place where people live with dignity and self-respect. However, the lived reality of the people in this region tells a vastly different story. For decades, the area has suffered under the dominance of the Pakistani military, and its people have endured repression, economic exploitation, and systematic human rights violations. In POK, the Pakistani military exercises control over almost every aspect of life, leaving little room for civilian governance. Elections are widely regarded as a sham, manipulated to install leaders who act as mouthpieces for Islamabad. Dissent is not tolerated, and any attempt to question the status quo is swiftly and often brutally suppressed. A striking example of this occurred in Muzaffarabad in 2022, when people took to the streets demanding basic necessities like water and electricity. The protests were met with an iron fist, with military forces using tear gas and batons to disperse the demonstrators. Many were injured, and several were detained without charge. These incidents are not rare; they reflect a systemic problem that has persisted for decades. In 2024 same was repeated.

One of the gravest issues in POK is the widespread appropriation of land by the military. Under the guise of development projects or national security, large swathes of land have been forcibly acquired, displacing countless families. The construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a case in point. While the project was heralded as a game-changer for Pakistan’s energy needs, it came at an immense cost to the local population. Thousands were displaced, receiving little to no compensation for their losses. Many of them now live in temporary shelters, struggling to make ends meet. The resources of POK, including its forests and minerals, are exploited by Pakistan for its own benefit, with minimal reinvestment in local communities.

The human rights record is equally appalling. Arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings have become disturbingly common. Activists who dare to speak out face dire consequences. Baba Jan, an activist from Gilgit-Baltistan, has spent years in prison simply for standing up against injustice. His story is one of many. The case of Parveen Akhtar, a schoolteacher from Mirpur, offers another chilling example. When her husband was detained by the military on baseless allegations of anti-state activities, she sought justice through every possible avenue. Instead of support, she encountered threats and harassment. Her struggle, while deeply personal, mirrors the collective plight of many families in POK. Basic services like education and healthcare are in shambles. Schools often lack teachers, infrastructure, and supplies, forcing many children to drop out. Healthcare facilities, too, are grossly inadequate. Hospitals are understaffed, underfunded, and ill-equipped to handle even basic medical needs. The outbreak of COVID-19 exposed these vulnerabilities, as POK faced acute shortages of medical supplies and healthcare workers. The people were left to fend for themselves, abandoned by a state more focused on its strategic interests than the welfare of its citizens.
When Article 370 was abrogated in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, it sparked global debates and dire predictions about the its future. Yet, in the years since, significant changes have occurred. Infrastructure has seen a boost, with new roads, tunnels, and connectivity projects linking remote areas. Governance has shifted toward grassroots empowerment, with local bodies given the authority to make decisions that directly affect their communities. A comparison between POK and Jammu and Kashmir reveals striking contrasts. Kupwara, a district in Jammu and Kashmir that was once a hotbed of militancy, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Development projects have created jobs, schools have been upgraded, and healthcare facilities have improved. This progress highlights the potential for positive change when a region is prioritized for development and good governance. Meanwhile, POK remains trapped in a cycle of neglect and repression, its people yearning for the progress they are denied. The way forward for POK lies in addressing the root causes of its suffering. The international community must take notice of the injustices in the region and hold Pakistan accountable. Transparency and accountability are essential, as is genuine autonomy for the people. Their voices must be heard, and their rights upheld. Economic development must benefit the local population, rather than serving as a means for exploitation.

The broader POK issue requires dialogue that prioritizes the aspirations of the people. Any solution must be rooted in their needs and their right to live with dignity and freedom. Stories from POK are a testament to the resilience of its people, who have endured decades of hardship yet continue to hope for a better future. As Jammu and Kashmir progresses, it stands as a powerful example of what is possible when development, democracy, and dignity are given precedence. The question now is whether Pakistan will continue to ignore the suffering in POK or take meaningful steps to address the plight of its people. The answer will determine not just the future of POK but also the legacy of a state that has long claimed to champion their cause.

Writer can be reached at syedjahanzeeb2@gmail.com