The aviation sector in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is witnessing notable growth, contrasting sharply with the challenges faced by the Aviation Industry in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). This discrepancy underscores the socio economic gaps between the two regions and underscores the effectiveness of Indian governance compared to the shortcomings of Pakistani administration. In recent years, the Indian government has made significant investments in infrastructure development in J&K, particularly in aviation infrastructure. This strategic emphasis has led to the modernization of airports and improved connectivity, fostering economic development and prosperity. Both Srinagar and Jammu airports have undergone substantial upgrades, enhancing their capacity to handle more domestic and international flights, thereby stimulating tourism and business travel. With improved infrastructure, flight frequency and coverage have expanded, making J&K more accessible to both domestic and international travellers. This has not only facilitated travel but also attracted investors and tourists to the region.
The expansion of the aviation sector has triggered a domino effect on the local economy, spawning numerous employment prospects and nurturing prosperity among residents. The surge in tourist numbers has spurred a heightened demand for hospitality services, indigenous crafts, and guided tours, thereby fuelling revenue for local businesses and craftsmen. Enhanced connectivity has simplified access for business travellers to visit J&K, stimulating investments across various sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and services. The broadening of airport services and tourism-related industries has engendered a diverse array of job opportunities, ranging from airport personnel to hospitality staff, consequently curbing unemployment and uplifting the local populace.
In contrast, the aviation industry in PoK languishes due to discrimination, neglect and mismanagement by Pakistani authorities. The airports in the region are in a state of disrepair, offering limited flight services that impede connectivity and hinder economic advancement. PoK’s airports suffer from inadequate maintenance, deficient facilities, and infrastructure, resulting in a dearth of regular flight services, which isolates the region from potential tourism and business prospects. The constrained connectivity has stymied economic progress, leaving the region’s tourism potential largely unrealized. As a result, local businesses often voice complain of hardships, adversity, and economic struggles within the population.
The negligence in PoK transcends aviation, encompassing a spectrum of socio-economic challenges afflicting the region. Despite assurances of free electricity post the Mangla Dam’s construction, PoK contends with severe power shortages. Prolonged outages disrupt daily routines and business operations, exacerbating the region’s economic struggles. PoK residents grapple with exorbitant utility bills alongside hefty taxes, sparking widespread protests. The financial strain on the populace underscores the Pakistani authorities’ indifference towards the region’s welfare. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives have failed to deliver the promised development and employment opportunities to Gilgit-Baltistan’s people. Instead, these endeavours have precipitated environmental degradation and resource depletion, leaving local communities in hardship.
Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of the United Kashmir People’s National Party, underscored these concerns during the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). He shed light on the Pakistani government’s unfulfilled promises and ineffective policies, highlighting the dire situation in PoK. Pertinently, the region has long suffered from neglect in terms of development and infrastructure. The coercive tactics of the Pakistani Army and suppression of dissent have perpetuated poverty and hindered progress, turning PoK into a hotbed of unrest and instability. In contrast, Jammu and Kashmir serves as a beacon of development and advancement, buoyed by significant financial and strategic support from the Indian government. The region has witnessed impressive strides in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This holistic approach to development has enhanced residents’ quality of life. A flourishing industrial landscape and conducive business climate have attracted investments, fostering economic expansion. The proactive stance of the Indian government has ensured the protection of residents’ rights and freedoms, facilitating robust civil society engagement and political involvement.
In stark contrast, PoK continues to grapple with neglect and systemic hurdles under Pakistani rule. The region is plagued by persistent underdevelopment and poverty, marked by insufficient infrastructure and limited economic prospects. The heavy-handed tactics of the Pakistani army and the adverse impacts of CPEC have fuelled discontent among locals, fuelling unrest and instability. The flourishing aviation sector in Jammu and Kashmir serves as a testament to the region’s overall progress and stands in stark juxtaposition to the struggling, overlooked PoK. This juxtaposition underscores the efficacy of Indian governance in fostering socio-economic well-being compared to the Pakistani administration’s shortcomings in addressing PoK’s needs. While Jammu and Kashmir marches towards advancement, PoK remains mired in distress, underscoring the broader socio-economic disparities between the two regions.
This comparison vividly underscores the significant gaps between the two regions. Jammu and Kashmir serves as a striking example of substantial developmental strides, propelled by substantial financial aid and strategic endorsement from the Indian government. This steadfast support has spurred notable progress across vital domains like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ensuring an enhanced standard of living for its populace. Furthermore, flourishing industrial sectors have generated ample job opportunities, driving economic expansion. The region also upholds fundamental rights and freedoms, nurturing robust civil society involvement and active political engagement.
In sharp contrast, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir grapples with neglect and underdevelopment. The region faces severely lacking services and minimal economic prospects, stemming directly from historical neglect and systemic inefficiencies under Pakistani governance. These deficiencies have significantly impeded PoK’s advancement, resulting in stark disparities when compared to the thriving Jammu and Kashmir. This assessment emphasizes the glaring contrast in socio-economic circumstances between the two areas, highlighting the pressing need for equitable development and assistance for PoK’s marginalized inhabitants. The divergent trajectories of these regions serve as a compelling critique of Pakistani administration in PoK. While Jammu and Kashmir have undergone notable growth and progress across diverse sectors, PoK has experienced a gradual decline in its socio-economic status. This pronounced inequality underscores the significant deterioration in PoK, characterized by inadequate service provision and a dearth of economic opportunities, sharply juxtaposed with the flourishing development in Jammu and Kashmir.
