Dr Sudershan Kumar
sudershan.sk12@gmail.com
For over seven decades, Pakistan has projected itself as the self styled guardian of the Kashmiri people often involving the rhetoric of “Self Determination” and accusing others of oppression. Yet, in the very territory under its own control Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir (POJK) including Gilgit Baltistan and so called “Azad Kashmir” the ground reality exposes a striking paradox. Instead of empowerment, local communities face political disenfranchisement, economic exploitation and social neglect. While Pakistani leaders repeatedly champion human rights in global forums, their policies in illegally occupied POJK reflect consistent denial those very rights; repression of dissent, extraction of resources and silencing of local voices. This gap between rhetoric and reality is what many analysts call the hypocrisy of Pakistan over POJK. The hypocrisy is not just an abstract charge; it has a tangible consequences. It fuels recurrent unrest in POJK, undermines Islamabad’s moral credibility in international discourse and destabilizes the fragile peace of south Asia. The consequence of this gross root anger over economic hardships and political privilege exploded in to one of the biggest uprisings in POJK, the region illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1948. These protests started in the last week of September, 2025 and continued for five consecutive days. Initially sparked by economic grievances, the protests had escalated into a wider gross roots movement reflecting deep-seated public frustration. Violent confrontation between demonstrators and security forces have claimed the lives of at least ten people including three police officers while leaving dozen more injured there by underscoring the growing volatility in the region. Markets remained shuttered, roads deserted, internet and mobile network blocked since Sept.28. The shutdown, spear headed by the Joint Action Committee of POJK has brought life to a standstill across several districts of POJK with nearly four million residents caught in the cross fire of state’s paralysis. This time the protests were so intense that Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had to dispatch a high-powered delegation to Muzaffarabad to find a negotiable solution to the problem. Ultimately, after four days of intense discussion an agreement was signed on 4th October, 2025. Therefore, it is utmost important to know the history of these unrest since 1948 (the time Pakistan illegally occupied POJK) and the causes of unrest. The history of protests in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir since 1948 reflects decades of resentment, exploitation and political suppression under Pakistani control. After illegal occupation of part of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947-48, Pakistan promised autonomy to local population. However, these assurances soon turned hollow as POJK was systematically deprived of political rights, development, and representation. The first major protests began in the year 1950’s, when locals opposed Islamabad decision to impose direct control through the Azad Jammu Kashmir Council, curtailing local governance. The people demanded genuine self rule, but such movements were brutally suppressed by Pakistani authorities. In 1970’s and 1980’s a new wave of demonstration emerged in areas like Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli, when citizens protested land grabs, unfair taxation, and political interference from Islamabad. The construction of the Mangla Dam in 1967, which displaced thousands without adequate compensation, sowed long lasting anger and sporadic uprisings. In the 1990’s amid rising militancy across the region, dissenting voices in POJK were crushed under the pretext of national security. Journalists and activists calling for democratic rights or criticizing the military rule faced arrests, torture and disappearances. Since 2000 growing awareness through social media has reignited the protests against unemployment, lack of health care, corruption and resource exploitation by Pakistani Corporations. In recent years mass demonstrations in Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalakote have drawn global attention. The protesters in POJK have condemned sky rocketing electricity bills, inflation, and Islamabad’s exploitation of local resources without benefits to residents. The May 2024 unrest, where several civilians were killed by Pakistani forces, exposed the deep rooted alienation of the people. Over seven decades, POJK protests have evolved from demands for autonomy to cries for basic human rights, economic injustice and freedom from Pakistan’s political and military stranglehold marking a continuing struggle of a silenced region yearning for dignity and self-determination. Another important issue among POJK people is the development of the region in comparison to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. In fact, development in terms of infrastructure, health care, and education in POJK has remained stagnant due to deliberate policy, neglect and political control by Islamabad.
i) Infrastructure projects were meager with poor connectivity, inadequate roads and unreliable power supply. The so called Azad Kashmir Government lacks true authority, as most resources are diverted by Pakistan’s federal agencies and military establishments. In contrast the Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh has witnessed a massive infrastructure growth, high ways, railways and smart cities under successive development programs.
ii) Health care in POJK paints a grim picture. There are very few hospitals, often without proper equipment or qualified doctors. Rural areas are devoid of even basic medical facilities, forcing people to travel long distances for treatment. Infant and maternal mortality rates remain high, while Pakistan’s Government spends negligible amount on public health in the region. In comparison, health care in Jammu and Kashmir has seen revolution, with AIIMS, Jammu GMCs, and district hospitals offering modern facilities and telemedicine services.
iii) Education in POJK suffers from chronic neglect. Schools are under funded, teachers are underpaid and higher education institutions are scarce. The literacy rates remain far below the natural average of Pakistan. Textbooks are filled with propaganda rather than quality content leaving generation deprived of scientific and rational education, whereas establishment of institutions like IIT, IIM and central universities have transformed the landscape of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
iv) Economically POJK remained trapped in poverty. The per capita income in the region is roughly one-third of Pakistan’s average and several times lower than that of Jammu & Kashmir. Employment opportunities are almost nonexistent, forcing many to migrate to other parts of Pakistan or abroad for survival. National resources are exploited by Islamabad without adequate benefit sharing with local residents. In essence, the people of POJK remain victim of a colonial style occupation, deprived of basic rights, economic dignity and human development. Their plight stands as stark reminder of Pakistan’s hypocrisy, which speaks of Kashmir’s freedom while denying is own citizen justice and freedom. This clearly indicates that Pak Deep State, its Military Junta and Pak authorities are only interested in grabbing the land mass of the illegally occupied POJK region and not the people, who are residing there. The author is of the opinion that the hypocrisy of Pakistan is a central cause of region’s recurring unrest and major impediment to south Asia’s peace. The protests of recent years are not isolated disturbances but cumulative rejection of Islamabad’s broken promises., exploitative governance and dual standards.If Pakistan continues to suppress voices while preaching freedom the cycle of resistance and repression will persist with dangerous spill over for a regional stability.For durable peace,the path forward requires Honesty,Equity,and Empowerment.Pakistan must align its words with deeds, treat POJK not as Colony but as a community of citizens and recognize that peace in south Asia begins with justice at home.Until then its rhetoric remain hollow,its policies hypocritical,and region unstable. If, this messy state in POJK continues the day is not far away when residents of POJK will revolt against the oppressive policies of Military Junta and attain freedom from the clutches of Pakistani Military Junta and shall became a part of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, which is an integral part of India.
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