Opinion | Pakistan Controls POJK and Silences Political Leaders and Common Voices

The people of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir face systematic repression as leaders are intimidated and citizens are denied basic rights and freedom of expression.

Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) is termed as an autonomous region, but in actuality, the control lies in the hands of the Pakistani government and its military. Although it has its own set of political leaders like the Prime Minister, President, and Legislative Assembly, the actual governing is in the hands of the Islamabad government. Even the political leaders in POJK remain nominal in their positions, while the common citizens lack the freedom to voice their concerns.

Major administrative matters are determined in Islamabad, and the local leaders lack the authority to make independent decisions. It has also been observed and highlighted by activists and local political watchers that the appointment of high-level administrators, such as the appointment of the Prime Minister, is largely influenced or effectively done by Pakistan, ignoring the wishes of the locals in the administrative setup of POJK.

The Pakistani exploitation of POJK is not only restricted to politics. Natural resources, such as hydropower projects and forests, are being utilized to favour the mainland Pakistani population. In contrast, Pakistani residents live with unemployment, underdevelopment, and an absence of infrastructure. These factors establish that Pakistan’s administration treats POJK as land to control for channelled interests, as opposed to protecting residents’ economic and political liberties.

Political leaders who dare challenge Pakistan’s authority are either intimidated, harassed, or threatened. Political leaders who have been vocal have been referred to as “anti-state” for expressing reservations about certain policies and displaying support for self-rule. Restrictive travel measures and revocation of visa documents have also been imposed on political leaders who wish to express their concerns abroad. Even elected political leaders have remained mum on most issues out of fear of being persecuted for it.

The locals of POJK have also experienced severe oppression whenever they have tried to practice the right to peaceful assembly. In 2025, mass gatherings and demonstrations occurred in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and the Neelum Valley. These calls were focused on economic and governance relief and some restructuring. However, the security agencies of the Pakistani government, opposed to the involvement of the locals, focused on curfews and live ammunition to halt the assemblies. Communications such as the internet and cell phones were cut to halt coordination efforts.

The Pakistan federal administration has also limited the freedom of the press and media in POJK. Journalists covering issues related to demonstrations, corruption, or governance are often threatened, arrested, or muzzled. Independent media organizations trying to bring into focus human rights abuses are also threatened, making it difficult for any critical reporting to emerge. Pakistan, therefore, through its regulation of information, keeps the reality of oppression within POJK hidden even from its own citizens, silencing the voices of its people.

Violations of human rights are a normal part of the administration in POJK. Social and political activists, students, and workers protesting against Islamabad’s policies experience arbitrary arrest, threats, and persecution. Civic groups that work to improve living conditions and create awareness are also targeted. Economic exploitation, a lack of opportunities for employment, poor healthcare and educational facilities contribute to further alienation of this populace. This is part of a policy to ensure that they continue to be submissive to Islamabad and that Pakistan retains complete dominance over this region.

The denial of basic freedom and the lack of proper political autonomy in the region of POJK have resulted in continuous unrest and dissatisfaction among the people. This has been further pointed out by the. Various international bodies and human rights organizations have criticized Pakistan for the repression in POJK. The denial of proper freedom and the lack of proper political autonomy in POJK by a country like Pakistan have resulted in continuous unrest and dissatisfaction among the people of that region.

The effects of Pakistani dominion in POJK can be seen on both the political as well as individual levels. Politicians are intimidated into remaining silent, protests become breaches of the Peace offenses, and the media is muffled to ensure that information does not seep into the public domain. Common citizens are left with no option but to remain silent on the issue of justice and change. Pakistani policies ensure that the region is under their domination, with the political leadership acting as their extensions instead of the citizens’ representation. This makes the larger population politically helpless as well as socially isolated.

The absence of political leaders in POJK also shows how the voice of the people, political or otherwise, gets smothered in the region. Pakistan claims that it enables autonomy in the region. However, it is important to note that the influence of Islamabad on the governance of the region is quite pronounced. Leaders do not have the autonomy to carry out their policies, citizens do not have the strength to voice their opposition, nor is any information about the Voice of Victims available.

Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir is a place where political leaders, as well as the common man, are silenced by the Pakistani regime. Political leaders are forced to remain silent, protests are suppressed, and the media is gagged by force. Human rights abuses are rampant, with the marginalized inhabitants economically and politically suppressed. The Pakistani regime has maintained POJK staunchly under its control, depriving its inhabitants of any semblance of political representation or freedom of speech against their oppressors. As long as these repressive political conditions are in place, the voice of POJK’s political leadership, as well as its inhabitants, will go unheard.

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