Mudassir Bhat
The Jammu and Kashmir region, a picturesque area nestled in the Himalayas, has long been a subject of dispute between India and Pakistan. Following the partition of British India in 1947, the region was divided into two main territories: Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), which includes Gilgit-Baltistan, and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Despite sharing a common history and culture, these regions have experienced markedly different developmental trajectories over the past decades. This article explores the widespread perception that J&K is more developed than POJK, using data and statistics to examine the underlying factors contributing to this disparity.
Historical and Political Context
The divergent paths of development between POJK and J&K can be traced back to the political arrangements made in the aftermath of Pakistan’s occupation of parts of princely state of Jammu and Kashmir despite its accession to the Union of India in October 1947. J&K, comprising regions like the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh (before its bifurcation into two Union Territories in 2019), as part of India, has seen the implementation of various developmental projects and infrastructural improvements over the last nearly eight decades. On the other hand, POJK, which includes so-called Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, has been administered by Pakistan under a more centralized system, with near non-existent local autonomy and fewer opportunities for localized governance. J&K benefited from the special autonomy granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, until its revocation in 2019, allowing it to manage its own affairs to a significant extent, fostering a more structured and stable administrative environment. In contrast, POJK has seen limited political autonomy, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, where local governance has often been overshadowed by federal control. This difference in governance has had a profound impact on the development of these regions.
Governance Indicator
J&K
POJK
Autonomy
High (pre-2019)
Limited
Elected Legislature
Yes
Limited
Political Stability
Higher
Lower
Economic Development
Economic indicators provide a clear picture of the developmental gap between J&K and POJK. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of J&K is significantly higher than that of POJK. According to recent data, the GDP of J&K was approximately USD 23 billion, whereas POJK’s GDP was estimated at around USD 6 billion.
Economic Indicator
J&K
POJK
GDP (USD billions)
23
6
Per Capita Income (USD)
2,500
900
Industrial Base
Developed
Limited
The economy of J&K is more diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, and the service sector. These sectors have flourished due to substantial investments from the Indian government, leading to higher per capita income and economic stability. In contrast, POJK’s economy remains largely agrarian with limited industrialization, resulting in a lower per capita income of approximately USD 900.
Infrastructure Development
Infrastructure development is a critical driver of regional growth, affecting everything from economic performance to quality of life. J&K has witnessed extensive infrastructure improvements, particularly in transportation, energy, and communication sectors.
Infrastructure Indicator
J&K
POJK
Road Density (km per 100 sq. km)
60
25
Electrification Rate (%)
98
60
Internet Penetration Rate (%)
75
25
According to Indian government reports, J&K has a road density of 60 km per 100 square kilometers, significantly higher than POJK’s 25 km per 100 square kilometers. Investments in highways, tunnels, and bridges have improved connectivity in J&K, boosting trade and tourism. Electrification in J&K stands at around 98%, compared to only 60% in POJK, where many remote areas still lack reliable electricity. Furthermore, internet penetration is much higher in J&K at 75%, compared to just 25% in POJK, reflecting a significant digital divide.
Education and Literacy
Education is a fundamental measure of development, and J&K has made greater strides in this area compared to POJK. The literacy rate in J&K is around 77%, significantly higher than POJK’s 55%.
Educational Indicator
J&K
POJK
Literacy Rate (%)
77
55
Gender Ratio in Education
Nearly Equal
Gender Disparities
Number of Universities
11
4
J&K benefits from a well-established network of educational institutions, including 11 universities. In contrast, POJK has only four universities, and educational infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Gender disparities in education are also more pronounced in POJK, where social and economic barriers have limited access to education for women and girls.
Healthcare and Social Services
Healthcare is another area where J&K outperforms POJK. The availability of healthcare services, including hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals, is considerably higher in J&K.
Healthcare Indicator
J&K
POJK
Hospital Beds per 1,000 People
2.5
0.8
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000 live births)
24
40
Life Expectancy (years)
72
64
J&K has about 2.5 hospital beds per 1,000 people, compared to 0.8 in POJK. The infant mortality rate in J&K is lower at 24 per 1,000 live births, compared to 40 per 1,000 live births in POJK. Life expectancy in J&K is approximately 72 years, while it is around 64 years in POJK, reflecting better access to healthcare and social services.
Human Development Index (HDI)
The Human Development Index (HDI), which combines life expectancy, education, and income levels, further highlights the developmental gap between J&K and POJK.
HDI Components
J&K
POJK
HDI Score
0.68
0.55
Category
Medium Development
Low Development
Life Expectancy, Education, Income
Higher
Lower
J&K’s HDI score of 0.68 places it in the medium human development category, while POJK’s score of 0.55 categorizes it as a low human development region. This disparity underscores the broader differences in development between the two regions.
Environmental Challenges and Disaster Management
Both J&K and POJK are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods. However, J&K has a more robust disaster management infrastructure, which has helped mitigate the impacts of such events.
Environmental Indicator
J&K
POJK
Disaster Preparedness Programs
Extensive
Limited
Post-Disaster Recovery Time
Shorter
Longer
Impact of Natural Disasters
Mitigated by Infrastructure
Severe due to Lack of Infrastructure
J&K has benefited from extensive disaster preparedness programs, which have enabled quicker recovery and reduced the impact of natural disasters. In contrast, POJK, particularly in its remote areas, lacks the necessary infrastructure and resources for effective disaster management, leading to longer recovery times and more severe consequences.
Socio-political Stability and Security
Socio-political stability is crucial for development, and J&K has generally experienced more stability compared to POJK. The Indian government’s efforts to integrate J&K more fully into the national framework have been aimed at promoting development and reducing unrest.
Socio-political Indicator
J&K
POJK
Political Stability
Moderate
Lower
Security Infrastructure
Robust
Limited
Civil Unrest Frequency
Decreasing
Persistent
POJK has faced ongoing challenges related to political instability and security. The region has experienced periodic unrest, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, where demands for greater autonomy and representation have led to tensions. The limited security infrastructure in POJK has also contributed to persistent law and order issues, further hindering development.
International Aid and Investment
International aid and investment have played a significant role in the development of both J&K and POJK, but the scale and impact have been markedly different.
Aid and Investment Indicator
J&K
POJK
International Aid (USD millions)
500+
200+
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) (USD millions)
300+
50+
Infrastructure Projects Funded
Numerous
Limited
J&K has attracted significant international aid and investment, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. Organizations like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and various international NGOs have funded numerous infrastructure and development projects in J&K. Conversely, POJK has received less international aid and FDI, which has limited the scope of its infrastructure projects.
Cultural and Social Development
Cultural and social development in J&K is more advanced than in POJK. The preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of tourism, and development of social infrastructure such as museums and cultural centers are more pronounced in J&K.
Cultural and Social Development Indicator
J&K
POJK
Cultural Heritage Sites Preserved
Many
Few
Tourism Revenue (USD millions)
150+
50+
Social Infrastructure
Well-developed
Underdeveloped
J&K, particularly the Kashmir Valley, is known for its rich cultural heritage, which has been preserved through various initiatives. The region’s tourism sector, which leverages its natural beauty and cultural sites, generates significant revenue and supports local economies. In contrast, POJK has fewer preserved cultural sites and a less developed tourism sector, limiting its cultural and social development.
The perception that Jammu and Kashmir is more developed than Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is strongly supported by a range of data and statistics. J&K’s higher levels of economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and overall human development reflect the substantial investments and policy initiatives undertaken by the Indian government. In contrast, POJK faces significant developmental challenges, compounded by limited autonomy, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing the developmental disparities between J&K and POJK is crucial for the well-being of the populations in these regions. For POJK, targeted interventions, increased autonomy, and enhanced governance are essential to bridge the developmental gap. Such efforts would not only improve the quality of life for residents of POJK but also contribute to the broader stability and prosperity of the region as a whole.
