Opinion | PoJK Unrest : The Cost on Education and Economy

Ultimately, the real tragedy of PoJK is not confined to the protests visible on television screens. It is reflected in the student who loses valuable classroom time, the educated young person who remains unemployed, the trader who loses his livelihood during shutdowns and the family that struggles to afford basic necessities despite living in a resource-rich region.

The continuing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is not merely a political or administrative challenge; it is a serious setback to the educational and economic future of an entire population. While political leaders and governments continue to use Kashmir as an instrument of political narratives and strategic interests, ordinary people are left struggling with unemployment, rising living costs, inadequate infrastructure and uncertain opportunities for their children. The greatest concern is that prolonged instability does not merely affect the present generation; it gradually damages the prospects of generations yet to come.

For decades, Pakistan has maintained that the Kashmir issue occupies a central place in its national policy. Yet, the conditions prevailing in the territories under its administration raise legitimate questions about the priorities of its governance. Political commitments and diplomatic statements have not translated into the level of economic development, educational opportunities and institutional accountability that the people deserve.

Education is among the sectors most vulnerable to recurring unrest. Every shutdown, road blockade, strike or suspension of internet services affects students whose academic progress depends on continuity. In May 2024, educational institutions across Pakistan-administered Kashmir were ordered to close amid escalating protests. Internet services were also disrupted in parts of the region. Such measures, even when justified by security concerns, carry an educational cost that is rarely reflected in official statements.For students preparing for examinations, pursuing professional courses or depending on online learning, even a few days of disruption can create considerable difficulties. The situation is particularly concerning for students from rural and economically weaker families who cannot afford private tuition, alternative learning facilities or additional educational resources.

The question is not whether authorities should maintain law and order. They certainly must. The question is why administrative policies have failed to establish an environment in which educational institutions can function without repeatedly becoming casualties of political confrontation.Pakistan’s governance arrangements also deserve scrutiny. The elected institutions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir exercise limited autonomy, with significant influence retained by federal authorities in Islamabad. When local institutions lack meaningful decision-making powers, accountability for development priorities becomes complicated. Education requires long-term planning, adequate funding and institutional independence, not temporary interventions after public unrest.

The economic contradiction in PoJK is particularly striking. The region possesses considerable natural resources, hydropower potential, agricultural opportunities, forests and tourism attractions. Yet, a substantial section of its population continues to experience economic insecurity.A UNDP development assessment published in 2019 estimated that approximately 18 per cent of the population of Pakistan-administered Kashmir lived below the national poverty line, while 25 per cent experienced multidimensional poverty. The same assessment identified unemployment at 10.3 per cent and highlighted inadequate private-sector growth and declining agricultural productivity. Although these figures are historical rather than current estimates, they illustrate longstanding structural development challenges.The May 2024 protests exposed how deeply these economic problems had affected ordinary households. People demanded affordable flour and electricity, arguing that the benefits of local resources were not adequately reflected in their living conditions. The protests brought commercial activities and transport to a standstill for several days. Businesses suffered losses, daily-wage earners were deprived of income, and ordinary families faced additional hardships. The federal government subsequently approved a financial package of approximately 24 billion Pakistani rupees to provide relief through electricity and wheat subsidies.

This raises a fundamental question about economic governance: why should citizens have to resort to mass protests before basic economic grievances receive serious attention?

A sustainable economy cannot be built through subsidies and emergency financial packages alone. The region needs investment in tourism infrastructure, agricultural processing, small industries, vocational training, road connectivity and private enterprise. Local youth should not be compelled to seek employment elsewhere simply because their homeland cannot provide sufficient opportunities.Perhaps the most damaging aspect of Pakistan’s approach has been the persistent gap between its political narrative and the developmental expectations of the people. Restricting dissent, weakening local accountability and responding to public demands primarily through security measures cannot create lasting stability.

The handling of the May 2024 protests raised serious concerns about the use of force, arrests and restrictions on public expression. The loss of lives and injuries during the demonstrations demonstrated how quickly economic grievances can develop into a wider crisis when meaningful dialogue is delayed.

The people of PoJK should not have to choose between political stability and economic dignity, or between expressing their grievances and protecting their children’s education. These are fundamental expectations of responsible governance.Pakistan must reconsider policies that place strategic and political considerations above the developmental needs of the population. Meaningful local autonomy, transparent utilisation of resources, educational investment and economic opportunities should become priorities rather than occasional promises made during periods of unrest.Ultimately, the real tragedy of PoJK is not confined to the protests visible on television screens. It is reflected in the student who loses valuable classroom time, the educated young person who remains unemployed, the trader who loses his livelihood during shutdowns and the family that struggles to afford basic necessities despite living in a resource-rich region. A region cannot secure its future through political slogans while compromising the education of its children and the economic security of its people. The true test of governance is not how effectively a government controls unrest, but how successfully it eliminates the conditions that give rise to it.

Author can be reached at : syedjahanzeb2@gmail.com