The recent protests in Bangladesh have garnered significant attention, both domestically and internationally. The unrest, characterized by large-scale demonstrations and clashes with law enforcement, has sparked concerns about external influences fueling the dissent. Among the countries implicated in these external influences is Pakistan, which has a history of meddling in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. This article examines the role of Pakistan in the recent protests in Bangladesh and connects it to the ongoing situations in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). By analyzing data, statistics, and expert opinions, we will demonstrate how Pakistan’s inability to manage POJK raises questions about its capacity to handle J&K.
Historical Context: Pakistan and Bangladesh
To understand the contemporary dynamics between Pakistan and Bangladesh, it is crucial to revisit their shared history. The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, was a direct result of Pakistan’s refusal to accept the results of the 1970 general elections. The elections saw the Awami League, a Bengali nationalist party led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, win a decisive majority. However, instead of transferring power to the elected representatives, Pakistan’s military government launched a brutal crackdown on Bengali nationalists, leading to widespread atrocities and the eventual secession of East Pakistan, which became Bangladesh.
Since then, Pakistan’s relationship with Bangladesh has been fraught with tension. While the two countries have diplomatic relations, mutual distrust and historical grievances continue to shape their interactions. Pakistan has often been accused of interfering in Bangladesh’s domestic affairs, particularly in moments of political crisis.
Pakistan’s Involvement in Bangladesh’s Protests
The recent protests in Bangladesh, which have been marked by violent clashes and widespread unrest, have raised alarms about potential external influences. Several reports suggest that Pakistan has been playing a role in exacerbating the situation.
Propaganda and Disinformation
One of the most significant ways in which Pakistan has been implicated in the protests is through the dissemination of propaganda and disinformation. According to a report by the EU DisinfoLab, several Pakistan-based social media accounts have been actively spreading anti-government sentiment in Bangladesh. These accounts, often masquerading as local Bangladeshi voices, have been sharing misleading information, inflammatory content, and calls for protests. The aim appears to be to destabilize the Bangladeshi government and create an environment of uncertainty and unrest.
Table 1: Instances of Disinformation Spread by Pakistan-Based Social Media Accounts
Date
Content Type
Nature of Disinformation
Source (Social Media Platform)
Impact on Protests
June 2024
Video
Misleading video of police violence
Facebook
Increased anti-government sentiment
July 2024
Image
Fake image of protester fatalities
Twitter
Intensified clashes with police
August 2024
Article (Fake News)
False claims about election rigging
WhatsApp
Mobilization of protesters
Funding and Support for Anti-Government Groups
In addition to disinformation, there have been accusations that Pakistan’s high commission in Dhaka has been funding and supporting anti-government groups in Bangladesh. A report by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleges that Pakistan has provided financial assistance to several organizations known for their opposition to the current government. These funds are believed to have been used to organize protests, recruit participants, and spread anti-government propaganda.
Table 2: Alleged Financial Support by Pakistan to Anti-Government Groups in Bangladesh
Group Name
Alleged Amount (USD)
Activity Sponsored
Source of Funding (Alleged)
Organization A
$100,000
Mobilization of protests in Dhaka
Pakistan High Commission
Organization B
$75,000
Printing of anti-government pamphlets
Pakistani NGOs
Organization C
$50,000
Recruitment of protest participants
Undisclosed Pakistani donors
Pakistan’s Mismanagement of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK)
Pakistan’s interference in Bangladesh’s domestic affairs is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of geopolitical maneuvering. To understand the implications of Pakistan’s actions, it is essential to examine its track record in managing regions under its control, particularly POJK, also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Since its occupation in 1947, POJK has been a region marked by economic stagnation, human rights abuses, and infrastructural neglect.
Economic Stagnation in POJK
One of the most glaring failures of Pakistan’s administration in POJK is its economic stagnation. Despite being rich in natural resources and having significant potential for tourism, POJK remains one of the most underdeveloped regions under Pakistan’s control. According to data from the World Bank, the GDP per capita of POJK is significantly lower than that of J&K, which is administered by India.
Table 3: Comparative GDP Per Capita of POJK and J&K (2023)
Region
GDP Per Capita (USD)
Growth Rate (%)
Major Industries
POJK (Azad Kashmir)
$1,200
2.5
Agriculture, Mining
J&K (India)
$3,500
5.0
Tourism, Handicrafts, IT
The disparity in economic development between POJK and J&K can be attributed to several factors, including poor governance, lack of investment, and political instability in POJK. Pakistan’s focus on using POJK as a strategic buffer zone rather than as a region with development potential has led to widespread poverty and unemployment.
Human Rights Abuses in POJK
In addition to economic stagnation, POJK has been plagued by serious human rights abuses. Reports from Human Rights Watch and other organizations have documented numerous cases of enforced disappearances, torture, and suppression of political dissent in the region. The Pakistani government has been accused of using heavy-handed tactics to silence voices of dissent and maintain control over the region.
Table 4: Human Rights Violations in POJK (2022-2023)
Type of Violation
Number of Reported Cases
Perpetrators (Alleged)
Source of Data
Enforced Disappearances
150
Pakistani Security Forces
Human Rights Watch
Torture
200
Police, Military
Amnesty International
Suppression of Protests
50
Local Authorities
Asian Human Rights Commission
These human rights violations have contributed to a climate of fear and repression in POJK, where citizens are often denied basic freedoms and political rights.
Infrastructure Neglect in POJK
Another area where Pakistan’s mismanagement of POJK is evident is in the neglect of infrastructure. The region’s roads, healthcare facilities, and education systems are significantly underdeveloped compared to those in J&K. According to the Asian Development Bank, POJK’s infrastructure development has lagged behind due to insufficient funding, corruption, and mismanagement.
Table 5: Comparative Infrastructure Development in POJK and J&K (2023)
Infrastructure Type
POJK (Azad Kashmir)
J&K (India)
Remarks
Road Density (km per 1000 sq. km)
50
150
POJK has poor road connectivity
Hospital Beds per 1000 People
1.5
3.5
POJK lacks adequate healthcare facilities
Literacy Rate (%)
60
75
Education in POJK is underfunded
Pakistan’s Capacity to Handle Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
Given Pakistan’s struggles in managing POJK, it is questionable whether it has the capacity to handle the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), should it come under its control. J&K is a region with unique demographic, economic, and security challenges that require careful and competent governance.
Demographic Differences
One of the significant challenges in managing J&K is its diverse population. Unlike POJK, which has a more homogeneous population, J&K is home to a variety of ethnic, cultural, and linguistic groups. The region’s demographic diversity makes governance complex, requiring sensitivity to the unique identities and aspirations of its people.
Table 6: Demographic Composition of J&K and POJK
Region
Major Ethnic Groups
Languages Spoken
Religious Composition
J&K (India)
Kashmiri, Dogra, Ladakhi
Kashmiri, Dogri, Ladakhi
Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist
POJK (Azad Kashmir)
Pahari, Gujjar
Pahari, Urdu
Muslim
Managing such a diverse population requires a nuanced approach that Pakistan has struggled to demonstrate in its administration of POJK.
Economic Challenges
J&K’s economy is more complex than that of POJK, with significant contributions from the tourism sector, agriculture, and handicrafts. The region’s economic stability is vital not only for the well-being of its residents but also for maintaining peace and security. Pakistan’s inability to foster economic development in POJK raises doubts about its capacity to manage J&K’s more dynamic economy.
Table 7: Economic Indicators of J&K (2023)
Sector
Contribution to GDP (%)
Employment (%)
Major Products/Services
Tourism
25
15
Hospitality, Travel
Agriculture
20
40
Saffron, Apples, Rice
Handicrafts
10
20
Pashmina, Carpets, Shawls
Security Concerns
Security is another critical area where Pakistan’s capacity to manage J&K is in question. J&K faces threats from militant groups, some of which have links to Pakistan. Pakistan’s failure to contain militancy in POJK, where several militant groups operate with relative impunity, suggests that it may struggle to maintain security in J&K.
Table 8: Militant Incidents in POJK and J&K (2022-2023)
Region
Number of Incidents
Major Militant Groups Involved
Government Response
POJK (Azad Kashmir)
30
Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed
Limited military operations
J&K (India)
40
Hizbul Mujahideen, Al-Badr
Counter-insurgency operations
Pakistan’s inability to control militancy in POJK has not only destabilized the region but also strained its relations with neighboring countries, particularly India.
The recent protests in Bangladesh and Pakistan’s alleged role in fueling them are part of a broader pattern of geopolitical maneuvering by Islamabad. Pakistan’s history of meddling in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, coupled with its mismanagement of POJK, raises serious concerns about its capacity to handle Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) effectively. The data and statistics presented in this article highlight Pakistan’s failures in POJK, from economic stagnation and human rights abuses to infrastructural neglect and security challenges. These failures cast doubt on Pakistan’s ability to govern a region as complex and diverse as J&K. As the situation in J&K continues to evolve, it is essential to critically examine Pakistan’s actions and motivations. The well-being of the people in J&K should be the primary concern, rather than the pursuit of geopolitical interests. Pakistan’s track record in POJK suggests that its capacity to manage J&K is limited, and its involvement in the region could lead to further instability rather than peace and development. The focus, therefore, should be on improving the standard of living in the regions currently under Pakistani control, like POJK, rather than on expanding territorial claims. This approach would not only benefit the people of POJK but also contribute to long-term stability in South Asia.
