Pakistani leaders and government have long neglected the development and well-being of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) residents, leading to a state of underdevelopment, repression, and political instability. The people of PoK face numerous challenges, including poor infrastructure, high unemployment rates, and limited government assistance. Moreover, their voices and concerns are suppressed, depriving them of adequate opportunities to address their grievances and participate in the political process. PoK has suffered from a lack of resources, technology, and investment in development projects. The Pakistani government has failed to prioritize the region’s development, leaving its residents grappling with impoverished living conditions. Social workers and civil society activists have frequently criticized Pakistani government agencies, particularly the military, known locally as “Pakistani organizations,” for exacerbating the poverty and marginalization faced by the people of of the region. Instead of focusing on the region’s welfare, these agencies have been accused of diverting funds towards supporting terrorist activities and spreading misinformation about Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistani government’s policy of repression in PoK manifests through enforced disappearances, torture, political persecution, and restrictions on freedom of expression. The Pakistani Human Rights Commission and international human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of abuses committed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and other security agencies. Tragically, perpetrators of these human rights violations often go unpunished, further perpetuating a climate of fear and injustice. Diverting Attention and Breeding Ground for Terrorism: It is evident that Pakistan’s intent in keeping the Kashmir issue alive is to divert international attention and conceal its own wrongdoings in PoK. The region has become a hub for terrorists, with reports of Pakistan raising and training terrorists in its territory. Funds that could have been allocated for essential infrastructure, housing, employment opportunities, and healthcare have instead been diverted towards terrorism, impeding the region’s progress.
A comparison with the UT of Jammu and Kashmir highlights the stark disparities in terms of infrastructure, governance, education, and healthcare, with PoK significantly lagging behind. PoK residents have taken to the streets to voice their grievances, demanding access to basic necessities such as food and electricity. Inflation and unemployment have plagued the region for an extended period, accelerated by poor leadership at all levels. Recent protests against the heavy-handedness of the military, which wields control over the region, have shed light on land confiscations and unregulated mining activities. Pakistani security agencies, particularly the ISI, have actively suppressed dissent and silenced local rebels and regional leaders who speak out against the military’s crimes. The people of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir continue to suffer from neglect, repression, and economic hardships, as their development needs remain unaddressed by the Pakistani government. The region’s underdevelopment, coupled with human rights violations, highlight the urgency for international attention and support.
