Opinion | POK & the Rising Human Rights Violations

The militarisation has not only made the area vulnerable to cross-border tensions but has also given security agencies disproportionate authority over civic life.

For decades, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) has been presented by Pakistan’s political establishment as an idealised model of freedom, democracy, and autonomy. Yet behind the façade, a very different reality has been unfolding one marked by deepening public anger, state repression, economic disparity, and a steady rise in human rights violations. The developments of the last few years, especially the protests of 2023 and 2024, have peeled back layers of controlled narratives, revealing a region burdened by systemic neglect and administrative high-handedness.

The people of POK whether in Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Rawalakot, or Mirpur have lived in a paradox. They are told they enjoy special rights and a unique political identity, yet they remain excluded from genuine participation in governance. Their land continues to be administered from Islamabad, their natural resources exploited for the benefit of others, and their political voices muffled whenever they challenge the status quo. This longstanding alienation lies at the heart of today’s unrest.

The most visible symptom of this discontent emerged in the form of mass protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). What began as demonstrations against inflated electricity bills and unfair taxation soon broadened into a wider call for accountability, transparency, and dignity. As thousands took to the streets across POK, the government responded not with dialogue, but with force. Reports of baton charges, raids on activists’ homes, arrests of demonstrators, and intimidation of community leaders poured in from multiple districts. The crackdown escalated when security personnel opened fire on protestors, resulting in casualties that shook the region and ignited global concern.

These incidents were not isolated. They form part of a longer pattern of coercive state behaviour in POK. Civil society organisations and international watchdogs have repeatedly highlighted that political dissent in the region is often met with suppression. Journalists working in POK have described an atmosphere where self-censorship becomes a survival instinct. Many have faced threats or pressure from intelligence agencies for reporting uncomfortable truths. Even social media users have been detained for posts critical of the administration or the Pakistani military establishment. This shrinking space for free expression stands in stark contrast to the claims of “model governance” often projected by Pakistani authorities.

One of the core triggers of public resentment is the systematic exploitation of POK’s resources. Despite producing large quantities of hydroelectric power, the local population struggles with high tariffs, erratic supply, and frequent outages. Villages located near mega-dams have seen their landscapes altered and livelihoods disrupted without adequate compensation. Youth in the region continue to face unemployment, while promises of development rarely translate into tangible improvements on the ground. This economic marginalisation, combined with administrative opacity, has created a deep sense of injustice.

The political structure of POK further complicates matters. Though the region has its own assembly, its powers are limited, and key decisions especially those related to security and resource management are steered by Pakistan’s bureaucracy and military apparatus. Activists argue that this undermines the autonomy promised under the region’s constitutional framework. Moreover, critics often point out that POK’s political discourse is tightly controlled; demanding genuine independence or challenging Pakistan’s governance is treated as sedition. This makes it nearly impossible for alternative voices to gain traction without fear of reprisal.

Women and minorities in POK face an additional layer of vulnerability. Reports from human rights groups suggest that cases involving forced disappearances, domestic violence, and land disputes are often mishandled or ignored by authorities. The judicial system, overburdened and under-resourced, fails to deliver timely justice. Many complain that local police act under directives from influential quarters, leaving ordinary citizens helpless. This erosion of trust in institutions has contributed significantly to the current climate of defiance.

Another issue fuelling resentment is Pakistan’s long-term practice of using POK as a strategic backyard. The presence of militant training camps, documented by various international sources over the years, has militarised certain pockets of the region. Local populations have repeatedly expressed discomfort with the security-centric approach that overshadows civilian needs. The militarisation has not only made the area vulnerable to cross-border tensions but has also given security agencies disproportionate authority over civic life. The digital age has made It more difficult for Pakistan to conceal these realities. Videos of police excesses, testimonies of injured protestors, and photographs of demonstrations have travelled across the world. Diaspora communities from POK have amplified these narratives, bringing unprecedented global attention to the region. For the first time, major international human rights organisations have begun questioning Pakistan’s actions and calling for independent assessments. The Pakistani administration, instead of engaging with the grievances, has often dismissed the protests as externally influenced, further alienating the local population.

Within POK, the sense of betrayal is palpable. People who long believed in promises of empowerment are now openly challenging the political structure imposed on them. For many, the protests are not simply about electricity bills or taxes—they represent the accumulated frustrations of decades. Residents speak of being treated as second-class citizens within a system that benefits a select elite. They question why a region rich in natural beauty, water resources, and cultural heritage remains economically stagnant while neighbouring areas flourish. The popular anger surfaced again when videos emerged of locals confronting government officials, demanding explanations for corruption and misgovernance. The symbolism of ordinary citizens speaking truth to power is deeply significant in a region where political expression has historically been constrained. It signals a new phase in POK’s socio-political awakening, driven largely by youth who refuse to remain silent.

As calls for justice gain momentum, Pakistan faces increasing scrutiny. The central question now is whether Islamabad will choose reform over repression. Will it address the legitimate concerns of the people by restoring democratic freedoms and ensuring equitable resource distribution, or will it continue to rely on force and narrative control? The answer will shape not only the future of POK but also Pakistan’s credibility on the international stage. The unfolding situation in POK is a reminder that suppressed grievances eventually find expression. The growing chorus for rights, dignity, and accountability cannot be brushed aside indefinitely. The people of POK are no longer willing to accept symbolic autonomy; they want real empowerment, transparent governance, and the freedom to determine their own political and economic destiny. As their voices grow louder, the world is finally paying attention.
Author can be reached on syedjahanzeeb2@gmail.com