Pakistan occupied Kashmir, also referred to as “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” by Islamabad, remains one of the most politically suppressed and conflict-ridden regions in South Asia. Far from being autonomous or “free”, it has endured decades of political repression, denial of basic rights and systemic atrocities by the Pakistani state, its military and intelligence agencies. Reports from Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and local civil society movements expose a consistent pattern of human rights violations, suppression of dissent, economic exploitation and military abuse.
The so-called Azad Kashmir Interim Constitution Act of 1974 strips the region of sovereignty and enforces loyalty to Pakistan. Any political party or candidate must pledge allegiance to Pakistan to participate in elections, silencing pro-independence voices. Dissenting leaders and activists are arrested, harassed or barred from holding office. Genuine self-governance has been replaced by rule from Islamabad, where Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and the Inter Service Intelligence dictate policies.
Local elections are systematically rigged to install pro-Pakistan loyalists. Pro-independence parties such as the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front are banned or sidelined. Voter intimidation, arbitrary disqualifications and denial of candidacy to nationalists are routine practices. Result of elections in Pakistan occupied Kashmir are cosmetic exercises without real democracy.
Journalists critical of Pakistan face censorship, harassment and threats from the military and Inter Service Intelligence. Independent media outlets are banned from reporting atrocities or advocating independence. Writers and activists have faced arbitrary arrests under Pakistan’s anti-terror laws. This has created a climate of fear, stifling free debate and information flow in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
Human rights groups and families report thousands of disappearances of activists, students and civilians. The Inter Service Intelligence and Pakistan Army are accused of abducting individuals on suspicion of “anti-state” activities. Many never return, while others are found in unmarked graves across Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Victims are often subjected to severe torture before disappearing permanently.
Political activists and ordinary citizens alike have reported systematic torture in detention centers. Methods include electric shocks, beatings, sleep deprivation and psychological abuse. Such violence is used to instill fear and silence dissent. Lack of independent judiciary ensures no accountability for perpetrators.
Pakistan exploits Pakistan occupied Kashmir’s hydropower resources, forests and minerals without reinvesting in the region’s development. Projects such as the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Plant displace locals while revenues go to Islamabad. Local people remain impoverished with high unemployment, while elites and the military benefit. The region is economically dependent, deliberately kept underdeveloped to suppress aspirations for autonomy.
Reports accuse the Pakistani military of harassing and exploiting women in areas near camps. Cases of intimidation, sexual assault and forced marriages have been documented by activists. Women face double discrimination – suppression of rights and exposure to violence in militarised zones. Social stigma and fear prevent victims from coming forward, keeping many abuses hidden.
Minority groups, especially Shia Muslims, face discrimination and targeted violence. Sunni extremist organisations are allowed to operate with impunity, creating fear among minority communities. Religious gatherings and cultural practices of minorities are often disrupted by state forces.
Pakistan has used Pakistan occupied Kashmir as a base to recruit, radicalise and train youth for militancy across the Line of Control. Poor, unemployed youth are lured into militancy with money or threats. Many dies as cannon fodder in cross-border terrorism operations, leaving families devastated. This militarisation of society disrupts education, careers and community life.
Despite its natural resources, Pakistan occupied Kashmir remains one of the least developed regions under Pakistani control. Education and healthcare infrastructure are severely neglected. Roads, electricity and clean water remain inadequate compared to the rest of Pakistan. The people feel marginalized and treated as second-class citizens.
In 2024 and early 2025, massive protests erupted in Muzaffarabad and surrounding towns. People accused Pakistan of treating them like slaves, exploiting their resources and denying them dignity. Slogans such as “Pakistan Army Go Back” reflected the growing anger against the establishment. The government responded with arrests, intimidation and excessive use of force.
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Pakistan’s intelligence agencies have permitted terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Al-Qaeda affiliates to operate training camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Local populations are forced to coexist with these camps, creating insecurity and international stigma. Those who oppose militant presence face threats, disappearances or death. Courts in Pakistan occupied Kashmir are powerless, the final authority lies with Islamabad and the Pakistani Army. Victims of abuse – whether political, economic or social – rarely receive justice. Human rights commissions have no real authority and are often used as rubber stamps. This cycle of impunity perpetuates atrocities, leaving people voiceless.
Pakistan occupied Kashmir stands as a glaring example of systemic repression and state-sponsored atrocities. From political suppression and enforced disappearances to military crackdowns and economic exploitation, the people Pakistan occupied Kashmir continue to live under fear and deprivation. While Pakistan portrays the region as “Azad”, the reality reveals a society suffocated by control, denied its voice and exploited for political and strategic purposes. For true peace and justice, it is vital that international bodies, human rights organisations and regional stakeholders amplify the voices of Pakistan occupied Kashmir’s people, demand accountability from Pakistan and ensure that the rights and dignity of the region’s citizens are finally restored.
