Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which includes areas like Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan, has long been a region of political, social, and economic turmoil. The people there face numerous struggles, ranging from political suppression to financial hardships and human rights violations. While Pakistan claims to support Kashmiri self-determination, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
On 11 February 2025, thousands of people from Diamer Gilgit gathered near the airport area in Chilas, the district headquarters of Diamer, demanding compensation for people displaced from their land for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam. In February, the Board of Elementary Examination, Gilgit Baltistan, released the results of govt school students. According to the result, only 41 percent of students in grade 5 passed the exam. In comparison, the passing rate of grade 8 was 29 percent—the same triggered protests in various areas of Gilgit Baltistan over the poor standard of government schools. Shortage of teachers, inadequate facilities and infrastructure are some glaring issues brought to the limelight. Above are the examples of the alarming state of governance in PoJK, as well as the plight of its people. Residents of PoJK have had a complex relationship with Pakistan, where they have been repeatedly told that they are an integral part of Pakistan however the actions on ground have questioned that for nearly eight decades.
Pakistan often presents PoJK as "Azad", but in reality, it operates under strict Pakistani control. The region's government lacks absolute autonomy as key decisions are made in Islamabad. Political activists, journalists, and local leaders who speak against Pakistan's policies often face threats of imprisonment or enforced disappearances. One glaring example is the restrictions on free speech. The media in PoJK is heavily censored and any criticism of Pakistan's administration or military interface is swiftly silenced. Political parties that advocate for true independence or integration with India face severe crackdowns.
Despite PoJK's rich natural resources, including water and minerals, the region remains underdeveloped. Pakistan exploits the rivers flowing through the area for hydropower projects like the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, but the local population sees little benefit. Electricity shortages, poor infrastructure, and a lack of investment have left the people struggling with poverty. Unemployment is rampant, and many Kashmiris are forced to migrate to other parts of Pakistan or abroad in search of work. Meanwhile, China’s growing involvement through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has further alienated the local population as they see their land being used for foreign interests without their consent.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly highlighted the abuses in PoJK. Reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings by Pakistan's intelligence agencies are a routine these. Those who demand fundamental rights or question Pakistan's control over the region often become targets of state oppression. Additionally, Pakistan has been accused of changing the region's demographic composition by settling non-Kashmiris, particularly Punjabis, in PoJK. This has led to concerns among locals about losing their cultural identity and political representation.
Comparisons are often made between development in PoJK and Indian-Administered Jammu and Kashmir. These comparisons show the differences between the regions' extensive infrastructure and economic growth. While India's UT of J&K is striving towards becoming a developed state with rapid infrastructure development, rising standards of education and efficient governance, the people of PoJK are struggling to meet their daily needs. With the abrogation of article 370, the state of J&K has been wholly integrated and is striving towards the path of economic and social development, Residents of PoJK have been shown partisan treatment by the government of Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan historically part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, has been particularly neglected. Despite its strategic importance, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan do not have representation in Pakistan's Parliament; instead, they are ruled through executive orders from Islamabad with little say in their governance. There have been protests in Gilgit-Baltistan demanding constitutional rights, economic development and an end to land grabs by the Pakistani military and Chinese companies under CPEC. However, these protests often met with repression.
In recent years, there has been a growing resistance movement in PoJK, with locals increasingly voicing their discontent. Protests against high taxes, inflation, and lack of basic amenities have erupted across the region. Many Kashmiris in PoJK are calling for an end to Pakistani exploitation and greater autonomy. However, these movements are often met with a heavy-handed response from Pakistani authorities who
label protesters as "anti-national" or "Indian agents." The international community has largely ignored these struggles, allowing Pakistan to continue its oppressive policies without consequences. The Kashmiris in PoJK face an ongoing struggle for political rights, economic development, and human dignity. While Pakistan claims to champion Kashmiri self-determination, its treatment of PoJK exposes the hypocrisy of its stance. As calls for justice grow louder, the world must recognize the plight of their people and demand an end to their oppression. Without meaningful political reforms, economic opportunities, and respect for human rights, the suffering of Kashmiris in PoJK will only continue.
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