Opinion | PoK and Its Administration: A Reality Check

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, also simply called PoK, consists of the area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), which have been occupied by Pakistan since 1947. On partitioning British India, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was presented with the option of joining either India or Pakistan. In 1947, Pakistan occupied Kashmir, compelling Maharaja Hari Singh to accede the Instrument of Accession to India. In spite of this, Pakistan took possession of parts of the state by force and is currently involved in a conflict that still impacts the region to date. This conflict has influenced the daily activities of individuals in PoK.

The life in PoK is full of political and administrative ills. Although Pakistan asserts that AJK functions autonomously, but the ground reality is quite the contrary. In spite of having symbolic heads, the region still is in the iron grip of Islamabad. The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs retains control over key matters such as defense, foreign affairs, and management of resources, giving the individuals of AJK very little control over their own territory. So is the case of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Gilgit Baltistan Order of 2018, which was supposed to grant greater autonomy, further centralized power in Islamabad. People from this area are not represented in Pakistan’s national assembly, and so it becomes difficult for their concerns to be heard. Anyone who tries to raise a question or becomes an opponent of this arrangement meets brutal repression, ranging from harassment to imprisonment. Reporters and activists who criticize corruption or military abuses are targeted, and frequently arrested or forced into exile. Fundamental services such as healthcare and education continue to be inadequate, and the region’s natural resources are plundered without the benefit of the local population.

In contrast, Jammu and Kashmir, being an Indian union territory, has also experienced great leaps in progress despite exposure to cross-border threats and adversity. The Indian government has genuinely taken the initiative to create infrastructure, enhance health facilities, and expand educational facilities, so even the most backward rural areas are not lagging behind. Democratic practices are maintained with the people being allowed to take active participation in governance and local decisions. Public welfare programs are launched to help women, youth, and marginalized groups so that they experience a feeling of being included and developed.

In PoK, the presence of the Pakistani military serves as a reminder of domination and not protection. The army has suppressed dissent at all costs, frequently using force to dominate. Civilians and civil rights leaders in PoK are often targeted, and demonstrations by the people are brutally crushed. Human rights abuses are a norm, and the local population is oppressed and traumatized. Conversely, the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir is regarded as a supportive and defensive force. Though their initial mandate is security and anti-terror operations, they also play a major role in welfare among the people. The army operates medical camps, develops infrastructure, and assists education projects, particularly along the border regions where security issues are great. Operations such as Operation Sadbhavana are proof of the efforts of the army to nurture goodwill among the people. The soldiers are frequently seen taking part in local functions, distributing necessary items, and assisting in natural disasters. These initiatives have swept hearts off their feet because the presence of the army is not merely for defense but also for contributing to daily life in a positive way.

The sacrifices of the Indian Army in the area are highly revered. From protecting the rugged landscapes of Siachen to protecting the civilians in border towns such as Uri, Kupwara, Tangdhar, and Karnah, soldiers put their lives at risk on a daily basis. During cross-border shelling, the army moves quickly to take out civilians, offer medical treatment, and make people feel safe despite the circumstances. Border village residents frequently thank the army for their assistance in times of distress. There have been instances of soldiers picking up children to safety, repairing homes destroyed by shells, and supporting older residents who get stranded.

In PoK, the prospects are much darker. Infrastructure ventures like those associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have resulted in displacement and ecological degradation without bestowing any actual economic gains on the locals. Resources in the region are being drained with no investment whatsoever in the locals’ development, leaving them agitated and overlooked. In Jammu and Kashmir, though, development plans are made with the aim of connecting better, promoting local enterprises, and enhancing public institutions without the displacement of populations. Roads, schools, and health centers are constructed to bring long-term value to the inhabitants.

Residents of PoK do not remain quiet about their condition. Over the last few years, there have been mass demonstrations, with locals complaining of poor governance, increased electricity bills, and fundamental human rights. Nothing of this sort seems to move Islamabad, which goes on suppressing the voices, giving the appearance of a stable state that is anything but. Conversely, the passion of Jammu and Kashmir is still strong. Local populace is actively involved in development programs, and the Indian Army presence instills confidence instead of fear. The same attitude is reflected in day-to-day life when soldiers and locals are bound together by mutual respect.

Despite terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced tragic events such as the Uri attack in 2016 and the Pulwama bombing in 2019. Still, the Indian Army has been persistently endeavoring to destroy the threat of terrorism and secure the region. Surgical strikes and anti-terror operations have been undertaken to destroy bases operating from PoK, safeguarding the civilians from harm. The proactive response of the army against terrorism demonstrates its commitment to upholding peace and stability.

It is the common man who finally suffers the brunt of these geopolitical battles. In Jammu and Kashmir, the focus is on creating a climate where people live without fear, freely associate with the community, and also feel themselves to be a part of the country’s growth. In PoK, meanwhile, the battle rages on as locals ask for the rudimentary rights which are being denied. The globe needs to appreciate the harsh reality on both sides and acknowledge the plight of PoK dwellers and the favorable developments in Jammu and Kashmir. The wishes of the masses in PoK will never get realized as long as Pakistan carries out its illegitimate occupation, but the expectation of a peaceful future keeps festering across the border.

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