Opinion | Pakistan’s democracy & its challenges

Important decisions in PoJK are largely influenced by the Pakistani establishment, and leaders questioning Pakistan’s Kashmir policy often face restrictions. Unlike India’s open democratic space, PoJK functions within a limited political framework.

The politics of Jammu and Kashmir has remained one of the most discussed and sensitive subjects in South Asia since 1947. The region has witnessed wars, political transitions, constitutional changes, and ideological battles between India and Pakistan. While Jammu and Kashmir under India has gradually evolved through democratic institutions, elections, and constitutional frameworks, Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, commonly referred to as PoJK, continues to face serious political and administrative limitations. A comparison between the political systems of J&K and PoJK also reflects the larger contrast between the democratic structure of India and the unstable democratic journey of Pakistan.The roots of the issue go back to 1947 when British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh. At the time of partition, princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan. Initially, Maharaja Hari Singh decided to remain independent. However, in October 1947, tribal invaders supported by Pakistan entered Kashmir, leading to violence and instability. Facing the invasion, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India on October 26, 1947. This legal document made Jammu and Kashmir a part of India, following which Indian forces were airlifted to defend the region from the invaders.

Since then, elections and political participation have become an important part of Jammu and Kashmir’s political journey. Despite challenges such as militancy, separatism, and external interference, elections in J&K have continued over decades. Political parties with different ideologies have contested elections, governments have changed through democratic means, and people have exercised their right to vote. Assembly elections, parliamentary elections, Panchayat polls, and urban local body elections have been held repeatedly. The participation of voters in many areas has often demonstrated the public’s belief in democratic institutions despite difficult circumstances.On the other hand, the situation in PoJK presents a different picture. Although Pakistan claims to support democracy there, real political power remains heavily controlled by Islamabad. The so called “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” does not enjoy complete autonomy. Important decisions related to governance, security, and administration are influenced by the Pakistani establishment. Political parties or leaders who question Pakistan’s position on Kashmir often face restrictions. Unlike India, where multiple political narratives can exist openly, PoJK operates within a narrow political framework controlled largely by the state machinery.

Pakistan’s democratic system itself has faced repeated interruptions since 1947. The country has witnessed several military coups, suspension of constitutions, dismissal of elected governments, and direct military rule for long periods. Leaders such as Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia ul Haq, and Pervez Musharraf ruled Pakistan under military regimes. Even during civilian governments, the military establishment has continued to exert strong influence over political affairs, foreign policy, and national security decisions. This has weakened democratic institutions and created political instability in the country.India, despite its enormous diversity and challenges, has maintained a stable democratic system since independence. Governments at the Centre and in states have changed through elections rather than coups. Political opposition, judicial independence, media debates, and constitutional governance have remained central features of the Indian system. Jammu and Kashmir too has experienced these democratic processes, even though the region has often faced unique security and political challenges due to terrorism and cross border militancy.

The political changes in India and Pakistan since 1947 reveal two different trajectories. India focused on strengthening institutions, conducting regular elections, expanding constitutional rights, and integrating diverse regions into the national framework. Pakistan, meanwhile, struggled with political instability, military dominance, economic crises, and internal conflicts. The separation of East Pakistan in 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh further exposed the weaknesses within Pakistan’s political structure.In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed major political developments, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Government of India argued that the move would strengthen national integration, improve governance, and bring development opportunities to the region. The reorganization of the former state into Union Territories marked a historic constitutional change. Supporters viewed it as a step toward equality and integration, while critics raised political and constitutional concerns. Nevertheless, democratic processes such as District Development Council elections and local body elections continued after the constitutional changes.

The discussion surrounding accession history often becomes politically charged, but historically the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India was based on a signed legal document accepted by the then Governor General of India. Many constitutional experts and historians consider the Instrument of Accession legally valid and similar to the agreements signed by other princely states that joined India after partition.Today, the politics of J&K, PoJK, and Pakistan continue to shape regional discourse in South Asia. The comparison between the democratic experience of Jammu and Kashmir under India and the political realities of PoJK reflects broader differences between the political systems of India and Pakistan. While challenges remain in the region, democratic participation, institutional governance, and political engagement continue to play a central role in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.

(Jahanzebkashniri2026@gmail.com)