Opinion | Civil Crises in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB)

Pakistan’s control over PoK and PoGB is exercised through a combination of military presence, intelligence oversight, and political manipulation:

The regions of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Baltistan have long faced social and civil rights violations. Baltistan (PoBG) remains a region of significant geopolitical tension and internal strife. Under Pakistani administrative control, both regions are marked by severe restrictions on civil liberties and persistent crises affecting their populations.

There is complete ban on civil liberty in PoK and PoGB. Rights such as freedom of speech, political participation, and media independence are seriously curtailed. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Pakistan Army maintain tight surveillance over political activities, media outlets, and public dissent. Independent journalism is suppressed, and activists or critics who oppose the military or intelligence agencies face intimidation, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and even extrajudicial killings. Social media and traditional media channels operate under strict censorship, with many voices silenced or forced underground.

The political landscape in these regions is dominated by puppet administrations heavily influenced or directly controlled by Islamabad. Elections, though held periodically, lack transparency and genuine political freedom. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Council, headquartered in Islamabad and led by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, wields overriding authority over PoK’s governance, judiciary, and financial policies, leaving local governments as nominal entities without real autonomy.

Similarly, Gilgit-Baltistan exists under constitutional ambiguity where its residents lack provincial status in Pakistan’s federation, denying them full political rights such as representation in the national parliament. The Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly has limited powers, and critical decisions often come from Islamabad, deepening the sense of alienation among its people.

The people of PoK and PoGB face profound identity crises. Despite being historically and culturally part of the larger Kashmir region, they are not recognized as sovereign or equal citizens under Pakistan’s constitutional framework. Pakistan neither grants PoK and PoGB full provincial status nor adequately acknowledges their distinct regional identities.

Youth in these regions express frustration over Pakistan’s domination and the denial of their political and cultural rights. Research highlights that many young people feel marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes. The constitutional setup, especially the interim Azad Jammu and Kashmir Act of 1974, is criticized for concentrating power in the hands of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council, thereby sidelining local voices.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, ethnic and sectarian divides are exacerbated by political neglect and lack of inclusion. The absence of clear constitutional status fuels demands for greater autonomy, rights, and recognition, resulting in protests and unrest.

Pakistan’s control over PoK and PoGB is exercised through a combination of military presence, intelligence oversight, and political manipulation:

Both regions are under constant surveillance by Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies, which suppress dissent and maintain order through coercion. Local leaders and assemblies are often seen as extensions of Islamabad’s will, with limited power to act independently. Print, electronic, and online media are tightly regulated to prevent criticism of the military or government policies. Protests, especially those demanding rights or autonomy, are frequently met with arrests, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on gatherings. Additionally, Pakistan controls key economic resources and infrastructure, while local economic development suffers due to corruption, neglect, and insecurity.

While Pakistan claims to support the rights of people in PoK and PoGB, the reality is starkly different. The residents have nominal political representation but lack full democratic rights and freedoms. Their duties are largely defined by obedience to Pakistan’s security state, with limited opportunity to exercise genuine civic participation. The people of these regions seek recognition of their political and constitutional rights, including provincial status or autonomous governance with real powers; freedom of expression, assembly, and political participation without fear of repression; protection of cultural and ethnic identities, including the right to preserve indigenous languages and traditions; economic opportunities and development free from corruption and political exploitation; and accountability and justice for human rights violations and enforced disappearances.

The situation in PoK and PoGB reveals a pressing need for democratic reforms and respect for civil liberties. Pakistan’s heavy-handed control and denial of rights fuel resentment, identity crises, and political instability. The international community and stakeholders must advocate for transparent governance, protection of human rights, and meaningful political inclusion for the inhabitants of these regions to break the cycle of oppression and neglect.

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