Opinion | Human Rights Situation in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK)

Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), also called Pakistan-administered Kashmir, is one of the most politically sensitive and debated areas in South Asia. Pakistan frequently voices concerns about human rights in Kashmir at international forums. Meanwhile, various reports, analysts, activists, and international observers have pointed out issues regarding civil liberties, democratic representation, and socio-economic development within POK. The region faces ongoing allegations of political suppression, limited freedoms, weak governance, and economic neglect. One of the main concerns in POK is the restriction on civil liberties and freedom of expression. Those who criticize the administration or question Pakistan’s policies towards Kashmir are often said to face intimidation, surveillance or legal action. Harassment over dissenting views has been reported against political activists and journalists. Restrictions on freedom of expression and association and misuse of anti-terror laws against political opponents and activists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir were of particular concern, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said. Political parties and organizations are expected to support the idea of Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan and freedom of speech in the region is considered limited. Groups calling for full independence or other political views reportedly face restrictions. This leads to a situation where it is hard to have meaningful political discussion. Critics say such limits flout democratic values and deny people the right to freely express their political aspirations. The lack of real political representation is another major problem. POK has its own government and legislative assembly but many observers believe Pakistan’s federal establishment still wields much of the real power. The decision making powers on security, finance and constitutional issues are often exercised from Islamabad. This has led to accusations of local administration having little independence. The constitutional and administrative structure of POK has also been criticised. There are reports that some legal provisions prevent individuals or political parties from participating in politics unless they are in favour of joining Pakistan. This means that political pluralism is weakened. Human rights activists also expressed concern over arbitrary arrests, disappearances and suppression of protests in the region. In past years, protests against inflation, electricity shortages, unemployment and governance issues have at times been met with force. The recent protests in POK are the manifestation of the growing anger of the common people against economic hardships and denial of basic rights. Reports said there were crackdowns and internet restrictions as protests took place demanding cheaper electricity and food. Another area of concern is the socio-economic condition of the people in POK. Despite its abundance of natural resources and hydroelectric potential, large parts of the region still suffer from poverty, unemployment, and poor infrastructure. Critics say the benefits produced from local resources are not fairly distributed among the local population. Large infrastructure and dam projects have often been accused of exploiting local resources without adequate benefit to local residents. Some regions lack well-developed healthcare and education institutions. Particularly for rural populations, it becomes hard for them to get proper health services, educational facilities, and job prospects. The low level of industrialization and economic reliance on outside aid has also increased unemployment problems among youths. Youth feels disenchanted with the political and economic situation. The issue of infrastructure problems still persists in their daily lives. Inadequate road networks, unstable power supply, and inadequate spending on public utilities impede the development process. In times of natural calamities like earthquakes and floods, the poor state of infrastructure becomes evident. Although there have been some development programs initiated, it is claimed that they are not sufficient enough to cater to the populace’s needs. The womenfolk and minority groups in POK are also subject to social and institutional difficulties. Cases involving instances of gender-based violence, honor killing, and the absence of any legal protections for women have sparked serious concern on the part of human rights organizations. It is said that minority groups and people who express opposition also suffer from discrimination and less access to justice. Another common subject is that of media censorship. The media working in POK is thought to work under constraints especially on issues regarding politics, security, and governance. Those who criticize the government via the media may face censorship. The role of the media in a democracy is an important one, but some say that the media works under constraints in this region. However, the international community’s reaction towards the matter in POK is not quite as extensive when compared to the larger matter of Kashmir. Groups and individuals associated with human rights have, from time to time, asked for independent investigations into matters in the region, better transparency, and more civil liberties protection. The point stressed is that the rights and well-being of the common Kashmiri people must come first, above all else. To conclude, there still remains an important question with regards to human rights in POK. Issues like restrictions on freedom of speech, lack of political autonomy, dissent suppression, and economic neglect among others have contributed towards a sense of disenfranchisement amongst some of the people here. While the region has significant strategic value and also abundant natural resources, there are those within the population who are grappling with issues such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, and lack of political participation. It is imperative that such issues be addressed to enable justice for the citizens of the region.

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