Opinion | Parallel Realities: A Comparative Study of Jammu and Kashmir and POJK

Pakistan and its allies have failed to perpetuate their sinister campaign of terrorism in J&K or keep us backward educationally and economically. Now, their oppressive gaze has shifted to the people of POJK, who are treated as children of a lesser god.

Ever since I began writing about socio-political issues, I have consistently voiced my concerns about the injustices and atrocities faced by the people of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) at the hands of the ISI. I strongly believe that they are our people, and we deeply feel their pain and agony. In many of my previous articles, I have narrated the story of how Pakistan illegally occupied these regions and why international organizations must intervene. In today’s article, however, I aim to highlight the stark developmental contrasts between Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and POJK. This comparison will clearly illustrate how Islamabad has kept the people of POJK educationally and financially backward. Despite Pakistan’s attempts, spearheaded by the ISI, to radicalize the youth of J&K in the name of ‘jihad,’ these efforts have failed miserably in the last four years. With the Almighty’s blessings, terrorism in Kashmir has significantly diminished, and our youth have resisted radicalization.
Pakistan has consistently claimed Jammu and Kashmir as its own, despite its illegal occupation of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). For decades, it has propagated false narratives to justify its claims, misleading not only its own people but also international audiences. Today, I aim to provide a fact-check for both Pakistan and those who support its baseless stance. Through this article, I will highlight the stark contrasts between the two regions across various developmental parameters, from education and healthcare to infrastructure and governance. By presenting accurate and factual data, I hope to give my readers a clearer picture of how these regions have progressed under vastly different administrative systems. The reality is far removed from Pakistan’s claims, and it is time the world sees through the facade.

Developmental Divide: A Closer Look
1. Education
Jammu and Kashmir, under boasts a thriving education system with 16 universities, including prestigious institutions like IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu and NIT Srinagar. The region is also home to 12 medical colleges, including prestigious institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Awantipora and Vijaypur, ensuring advanced opportunities in higher education and healthcare training. In contrast, Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) lags significantly, with only six universities and a glaring lack of medical institutions, leaving students with limited prospects for professional growth. It is worth mentioning that Jammu and Kashmir has produced numerous achievers in the fields of academics and healthcare. For instance, Dr. Fayaz Shawl, a renowned cardiologist, has earned global recognition and is now based in the United States. Similarly, Shah Faesal made history as the first Kashmiri to top the UPSC Civil Services Examination, while Aamir Athar secured the second position in the same prestigious exam. On the other hand, the people of POJK have been deprived of opportunities and platforms, leaving them marginalized and pushing them to the brink of despondency.
2. Healthcare
The healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed remarkable growth, bolstered by transformative schemes like Ayushman Bharat. The region now hosts two branches of AIIMS, one in Jammu and another in Kashmir, along with several multi-specialty hospitals and a robust network of primary health centers. Notable additions include the newly established 500-bedded children’s hospital at Bemina in Srinagar, the Kidney Hospital at Sonwar, the Pulmonology Hospital at Dalgate, and the Maternity Hospital at Wazir Bagh, Srinagar. These public healthcare facilities are further complemented by renowned privately-run hospitals, offering world-class services to residents. In stark contrast, healthcare in POJK suffers from severe neglect. It is challenging to determine the exact number of doctors produced annually in POJK due to the lack of publicly available data. However, recent reports indicate that POJK has approximately 1,066 doctors serving a population of 4.5 million, resulting in a doctor-to-population ratio of about 1 doctor per 3,900 people. This ratio falls significantly below the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 1 doctor per 1,000 people. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir’s MBBS intake capacity stands at 1,100 students per year, reflecting the region’s focus on strengthening its healthcare workforce. The disparity becomes evident when comparing these figures, as the people of POJK are left with inadequate healthcare and are treated as though they are “children of a lesser god.” This neglect is not accidental but a deliberate policy by the political elite in Islamabad, leaving the residents of POJK at the mercy of an indifferent administration.
3. Infrastructure
India’s unwavering commitment to development is evident in transformative projects across Jammu and Kashmir. Initiatives like the Zojila Tunnel, the four-lane Srinagar-Jammu highway, the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, and the upcoming railway service connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country are revolutionizing connectivity. Furthermore, the Smart City project, thriving markets, foreign investments, and engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge and newly constructed tunnels on NH-44 are creating a modern and accessible infrastructure network. These advancements are enhancing the quality of life and fostering economic growth across the region. In stark contrast, the infrastructure in POJK remains woefully underdeveloped. For instance, in Bandi Syedan and its neighbouring villages, a critical road project was initiated 35 years ago to connect the area with other regions, including Srinagar. Shockingly, the project remains incomplete to this day, plagued by allegations of sub-standard materials and poor construction quality. The residents have staged several protests, but their grievances have fallen on deaf ears. A stark example of the neglect in POJK is highlighted by the story of a young vlogger, Shiraz, from Gilgit. His village vlogs gained fame on YouTube, but in one of his videos, he revealed the challenges he faces just to upload content. Shiraz has to travel nearly 70 kilometers to access an internet connection, taking him a minimum of five hours to upload a single video. Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, residents enjoy the benefits of true 5G connectivity, with speeds reaching up to 36 Mbps. This glaring disparity not only stifles talent but also reflects Islamabad’s apathy, as the voices of POJK’s people are muzzled, and their potential is systematically suppressed.
4. Economy
Jammu and Kashmir’s economy thrives on its robust tourism, horticulture, and handicrafts industries. Since 2019, the region has witnessed increased investments and economic opportunities. A significant milestone has been the Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of several iconic products such as Kashmiri Pashmina, saffron, Kani Shawls, and walnut wood carvings. These GI tags have played a crucial role in preserving traditional knowledge, conserving biodiversity, generating local employment, and building a global brand identity for Kashmir’s unique offerings. Tourism potential exists on both sides of the border; however, the stark difference in development is evident. In J&K, the tourism sector is booming, with destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam experiencing such a high tourist influx in recent years that it has become difficult to secure hotel accommodations during peak seasons. In contrast, POJK’s tourism potential remains untapped due to Islamabad’s apathy, which prioritizes its interests in Rawalpindi and Islamabad over the region’s development. When comparing the fiscal budgets and economic capacities, the annual fiscal budget allocated to J&K by the Indian government far surpasses the entire national budget of Pakistan. Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP is significantly higher than that of POJK. J&K’s GDP stands at approximately $20 billion, while POJK’s GDP is estimated to be around $6 billion—a disparity that reflects the contrasting development trajectories of the two regions.
5. Women’s Empowerment and Freedom
Women in Jammu and Kashmir actively participate in education, politics, and employment, empowered by progressive policies and opportunities. However, women in POJK face systemic oppression, limited rights, and restricted access to education and employment. Freedom of expression in POJK is equally stifled, with a heavily censored media controlled by ISI and military authorities, whereas Jammu and Kashmir enjoys a vibrant press, despite occasional security concerns.
6. Security and Stability
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant decline in militancy in recent years, thanks to peace-building efforts by the Indian Army and local communities. Conversely, POJK remains a breeding ground for terror camps, with instability perpetuated by ISI-backed activities that hinder the region’s growth.
Conclusion
To compare the two regions—Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir—is an irony in itself. The country that continues to claim J&K as its own has failed miserably to develop and nurture even the part of Kashmir it illegally occupies. Pakistan’s approach has always been centered around rhetoric rather than genuine concern for the well-being of Kashmiris. It has sought Kashmir, not Kashmiris, destroying generations of our youth through its sinister campaign of terrorism. Now that its attempts to radicalize the youth in J&K have largely failed, Pakistan has turned its oppressive gaze toward POJK, muzzling the voices of its people and keeping them in the shadows of neglect and despair. The same policies that sought to keep us backward educationally and economically are now being inflicted upon the people of POJK. It is high time for the international community and human rights organizations to step in and address the plight of the people in POJK. Justice must be delivered to them, for they are an inseparable part of us and will always remain so.
Email: Vadiekashmir@gmail.com