Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, comprising areas forcibly seized by Pakistan during the 1947-48 conflict, remains one of the most troubled regions in South Asia. Despite being an integral part of India as per the Instrument of Accession and several parliamentary resolutions, the region has suffered decades of political repression, demographic manipulation, economic marginalization and human rights abuses under Pakistani control. While Pakistan depicts Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as “Azad”, the ground realities reflect systematic atrocities on ethnic communities-especially the Kashmiri, Pahari, Gujjar, Shina and Balti populations.
Since the illegal occupation of the regions of Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Gilgit, Baltistan and adjoining areas, Pakistan has governed Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir through a façade of local autonomy while retaining total control through its military and intelligence agencies. The people have been denied political freedoms, fair representation and socio-economic development.
Elections in “Azad Kashmir” are tightly controlled; candidates must pledge loyalty to Pakistan to even contest. Gilgit – Baltistan has no constitutional status, making its citizens effectively stateless. Dissenting voices, activists, journalists and students are harassed, abducted or prosecuted under sedition laws. Reports of forced disappearances, custodial torture, illegal detentions and intimidation by the Inter-Services Intelligence and Pakistan Army are widespread. Human rights activists like Arif Shahid were killed for advocating freedom from Pakistani control. Freedom of speech and assembly is virtually absent.
Pakistan has encouraged large-scale settlement of Punjabis and Pashtuns in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, altering the ethnic composition. Local communities complain of being reduced to a minority in their own land, especially in Gilgit – Baltistan. Land grabbing by Pakistan Army and political elite is common. Despite being rich in natural resources-water, minerals and tourism potential-the population faces: Poor healthcare and education, Lack of industrial development, Limited job opportunities, Exploitation of local resources like the Neelum-Jhelum hydro project, where benefits go to Pakistan while locals face displacement Forced conversion campaigns and discrimination against Shia Muslims in Gilgit -Baltistan. Targeted attacks on minority communities, especially the Baltis and Shinas. Sectarian violence encouraged or ignored by the State to maintain control.
Pakistan imposes Urdu and suppresses local languages like Shina, Balti, Burushaski, Gojri and Pahari. Traditional festivals and cultural expressions face restrictions. In recent years, widespread protests have erupted in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and Gilgit-Baltistan demanding: Basic rights, End of high electricity tariffs, Restoration of democratic freedoms, the harsh crackdown on these protests highlights Pakistan’s unwillingness to allow even peaceful dissent. India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.
Parliamentary resolutions (1994) reaffirm India’s determination to retrieve all territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation. Developments such as India’s new political map (2019) and statements by national leaders underscore India’s stance on reclaiming Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Continue raising Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir atrocities in global forums like the UN, highlighting the denial of democratic rights and violations of international law. Support voices of exiled Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir activists to bring international attention to human rights violations.
Prepare detailed documentation of abuses, demographic changes and economic exploitation to strengthen future legal claims. Establish channels to assist refugees and displaced persons from Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Highlight the real situation in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir through media, think tanks, and international symposiums. Counter Pakistan’s misinformation campaigns with factual narratives.
A peaceful and stable Jammu and Kashmir will reinforce India’s moral, political and strategic claim to Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir by demonstrating: Development, Good governance, Human rights protection, this serves as a contrast to the repression in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Develop long-term plans for integrating Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir into India once reclaimed. Prepare frameworks for administration, economic development and safeguarding ethnic identities. While India seeks peaceful resolution, maintaining strong defensive and offensive capabilities ensures Pakistan cannot exploit the situation. A credible deterrence strengthens India’s negotiating position.
Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains a region scarred by decades of human rights violations, political repression and economic exploitation under Pakistan’s illegal occupation. The growing resentment among locals reveals the deep-rooted failure of Pakistan’s governance in the region. For India, the path ahead involves a blend of diplomacy, strategic communication, humanitarian outreach and long-term planning for reintegration. Ultimately, the people of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir deserve freedom, dignity and the democratic values that form the foundation of the Indian Republic.