Opinion | Life in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir Reflects a Gap between Official Claims and the Lived Reality of Ordinary People

The authorities in Pakistan have long presented Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), which they refer to as “Azad Kashmir,” as a region enjoying autonomy, self-governance, and democratic institutions, with its own flag, prime minister, and elected legislative assembly. The Pakistani state claims that PoJK enjoys the benefits of democracy, has access to basic public services, and participates in democratic processes. However, many analysts have pointed to a gap between these official claims and the lived reality of ordinary citizens in PoJK. While the region may appear to possess autonomous and democratic institutions, critics argue that these do not insulate it from Pakistan’s control, interference, or the political and governance challenges that continue to affect the occupied region and its citizens.

If we start with the basic needs such as employment, infrastructure, education, and energy, all of these remain major challenges for the people of PoJK. Every day, people come out to protest against unemployment, poverty, inflation, energy shortages, and the lack of basic amenities. Recently, a large protest was held by healthcare workers, including many women employees, demanding the payment of their salaries and the regularisation of their services. The protest continued for weeks, and its repercussions were widely felt. These recurring protests reflect the frustration of ordinary citizens over unresolved issues. They also highlight the gap between official claims of development and the everyday challenges faced by the people.

If we move away from everyday issues and turn to governance, one of the first major concerns is the devolution of power. This refers to the transfer of authority, financial resources, administrative control, and funds directly to local governments and municipal representatives. Supporters of decentralisation argue that it would allow local institutions to respond more effectively to regional needs and reduce dependence on Islamabad for governance and decision-making. However, many locals allege that Pakistan has systematically kept local institutions weak and ineffective. They argue that significant control over PoJK and its affairs remains with Pakistan, leaving limited space for local bodies to function independently or address public needs. As a result, municipal councils and local governments are often considered to have insufficient authority. Similarly, student bodies are not allowed to operate freely, and student union elections remain a distant prospect.

Another important issue concerns the mandatory oath required of elected representatives. Before assuming office, members must swear allegiance to the region’s accession to Pakistan and uphold the ideology of Pakistan. Those who refuse to take this oath are barred from contesting elections or holding public office and may face other consequences. Critics argue that this requirement limits political diversity by preventing individuals with alternative political views from participating in the democratic process. They contend that it reduces space for dissent and helps ensure that the legislative assembly remains broadly aligned with Islamabad’s policies and political framework.

Next major issue is of the 53 seats in the PoJK Legislative Assembly, 12 are reserved for people who migrated from Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan and now live in different parts of the country, outside PoJK. Locals argue that these seats distort representation because the voters are removed from the region’s day-to-day realities. They also allege that the arrangement gives Islamabad greater influence over electoral outcomes, helping shape the political balance in PoJK. According to critics, these seats often favour pro-Pakistan parties, enabling Islamabad to maintain a government aligned with its policies while limiting space for dissent. They further argue that the arrangement reinforces Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir, both internationally and domestically, while strengthening Islamabad’s control over the region’s political affairs.

Locals and analysts claim that these provisions allow Pakistan to maintain control over PoJK, leaving little room for regional parties to grow or for dissent and criticism to emerge, and limiting the possibility of any strong local political uprising. Local bodies under the banner of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have reportedly held several rounds of talks with Pakistani authorities to address these issues, including demands to revoke controversial reserved seats and to grant greater powers to local institutions for better governance and effective public service delivery. However, Pakistan’s reluctance to compromise on these provisions is said to have led to the failure of multiple rounds of dialogue, further strengthening claims that these provisions are being used to maintain centralized control by Pakistan over PoJK. This, according to reports, eventually contributed to a region-wide protest in which dozens of PoJK citizens were killed and there was significant loss of property and disruption to education. It is also alleged that during the unrest, shops, internet services, communication lines, and schools were shut down. Some local social media accounts further claimed that food supplies were restricted in an attempt to control the protests.

So, in a nutshell, this is how Pakistan controls PoJK and its affairs. Official Pakistani claims say PoJK is free, independent, and autonomous, with a separate flag, prime minister, and assembly. But in reality, the design is such that this theatre of autonomy is ineffective and impotent, and the region is yet to receive provincial status under the Pakistani constitution. Pakistan claims the region has hi-tech roads, hospitals, good governance, education, and jobs, but the reality of PoJK speaks otherwise, with continuous protests over unemployment, energy crisis, and inflation. To the outside world, it is shown as free and autonomous, but to a PoJK citizen, it is heavily controlled and occupied Recent protests and the subsequent brutal crackdown by Pakistan have further exposed this reality to the world.

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