Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains a region of significant geopolitical importance and longstanding turmoil. While much of the global discourse on Kashmir focuses on the conflict between India and Pakistan, the realities within POJK often remain obscured. This region, encompassing parts ofMirpur, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan, has witnessed decades of political repression, economic stagnation, and human rights violations under Pakistan’s control. The untold story of POJK is one of struggle, suppression, and resistance, with its people yearning for autonomy, dignity, and a voice on the global stage.
Since its occupation by Pakistan in 1947, POJK has been subject to systematic control by Islamabad, with limited autonomy granted to the local population. While Pakistan claims to support the people of Kashmir, its actions in POJK paint a starkly different picture. The so-called Azad Jammu and Kashmir government remains a puppet administration, heavily influenced by Pakistan’s federal authorities. Political leaders and activists who demand greater autonomy or question Pakistan’s governance face arrests, intimidation, and censorship. The Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies maintain a stronghold over the region, ensuring that dissenting voices are silenced. The lack of political representation and the absence of basic democratic rights have led to widespread frustration among the local population.
The economic situation in POJK further exacerbates the struggles of its people. Despite being rich in natural resources, hydropower potential, and tourism opportunities, the region has suffered from neglect and underdevelopment. While Pakistan exploits its resources, little investment is made in infrastructure, healthcare, or education for the local population. The Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, for instance, generates electricity that benefits Pakistan, while the local population continues to suffer from frequent power shortages and lack of industrial growth. Unemployment rates remain alarmingly high, forcing many young people to migrate to Pakistan’s urban centers or abroad in search of better opportunities.
Pakistan’s policy in POJK has been largely driven by its strategic interests rather than the welfare of its people. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has led to increased militarization of the region. Large tracts of land have been handed over to Chinese companies, leading to concerns over the demographic changes and environmental destruction. Local protests against these projects have been ruthlessly suppressed, as Islamabad prioritizes its economic and strategic partnership with Beijing over the grievances of its own people. Additionally, the growing influence of radical Islamist groups, often backed by the state, has further destabilized the region, creating a volatile security environment.
In addition to economic marginalization, the people of POJK have also faced severe human rights violations. Reports of forced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, and suppression of political activism are widespread. Journalists and human rights activists who attempt to highlight these issues are often harassed, detained, or forced into exile. Women in the region face systematic discrimination, with limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, in particular, remains dire, with the indigenous population facing land grabs, demographic changes, and cultural suppression under Pakistan’s administration. The construction of the China-PakistanEconomic Corridorhas further intensified these concerns, as local communities are displaced without proper compensation, and their resources are exploited for strategic and economic gains.
Despite these challenges, the people of POJK have continued to resist oppression in various forms. Protests and demonstrations against Pakistan’s policies have gained momentum in recent years, with locals demanding greater autonomy, economic rights, and an end to human rights violations. In cities like Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, rallies have been held against the exploitation of resources, lack of basic facilities, and the militarization of the region. Political movements advocating for an independent Kashmir or greater self-governance have also faced brutal crackdowns by Pakistani security forces. Yet, despite the threats of imprisonment and violence, the spirit of resistance remains alive among the people of POJK.
The international community has largely remained silent on the plight of POJK, with much of the global focus directed towards the broader Kashmir dispute. While Pakistan frequently raises the issue of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on international platforms, it refuses to acknowledge the grievances and struggles of people in its own occupied territory. The lack of media coverage, international scrutiny, and diplomatic interventions has allowed Pakistan to continue its suppression in POJK with impunity. However, with growing awareness and activism, there is an increasing demand for accountability, transparency, and the recognition of the rights of POJK’s inhabitants.
The human rights situation in POJK is alarming, with reports of suppression, discrimination, and lack of fundamental freedoms. Media is heavily censored, and journalists face threats for reporting on the region’s ground realities. The judiciary operates under Pakistan’s influence, making it difficult for residents to seek justice against state-led atrocities. Protesters demanding rights are often met with force, and security forces enjoy impunity when accused of abuses. Women in POJK face additional hardships, including gender-based violence and lack of access to proper healthcare and education. The region’s minorities, including Shia Muslims and other ethnic groups, have also faced persecution and discrimination, further exacerbating tensions.
As the struggle continues, the fate of POJK remains uncertain. The people of this region have long been caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions, military interventions, and strategic interests. Their aspirations for a better future, one free from suppression and marginalization, deserve to be acknowledged and supported by the international community. The untold story of POJK is not just about conflict and occupation, but also about the resilience of its people, their fight for justice, and their unwavering hope for a brighter, freer tomorrow.
