The crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is escalating, posing challenges for the Pakistani establishment. Protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) are gaining attention locally and internationally. Protesters openly criticize the administration, drawing parallels between Jammu and Kashmir and PoK.
The Pakistani establishment is finding it increasingly hard to manage the situation. Previously, Pakistan tried to influence global opinion by hosting visits from foreign political figures supporting its stance on Kashmir. In 2022, US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar visited PoK during unrest, endorsing Pakistan’s position on Kashmir.
Despite controversies over Omar’s fully sponsored trip by the Pakistani government, officials anticipate Islamabad may resort to similar tactics to divert attention from PoK. The JAAC movement persists, pushing the issue onto the international platform. The protests in PoK are shedding light on longstanding grievances and disparities between Jammu and Kashmir and PoK.
Officials highlight differences in infrastructure, public services, and development between the regions. Jammu and Kashmir have seen significant progress post the abrogation of Article 370, with enhanced development and reduced terrorism incidents. The contrast in healthcare, education, and infrastructure investment between J&K and PoK is stark.
The disparity, especially in infrastructure and governance, is challenging for Pakistan to justify as international attention intensifies. PoK faces power shortages despite housing major hydropower projects, with most electricity diverted to Pakistan’s grid. Observers view the situation in PoK as a significant challenge for Pakistan, evolving into a broader discourse on governance and living conditions.
Experts suggest Pakistan may focus on altering the narrative rather than addressing underlying concerns immediately. Islamabad could seek to internationalize the Kashmir issue by highlighting alleged issues in J&K while diverting attention from PoK’s governance challenges and unrest.
