Islamabad, known for advocating Kashmiri interests, faces scrutiny over its handling of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as per a report. The report highlights a governance failure in PoK, where coercive measures are used to maintain public order rather than address grievances.
The unrest in PoK has evolved from a dispute over assembly seats to a broader issue of residents’ rights. Authorities in PoK are criticized for failing to provide essential services, responsive governance, and meaningful political representation, leading to ongoing crises.
The report emphasizes that banning protest movements in PoK does not resolve underlying issues but limits peaceful negotiations. Local activists argue that Pakistan’s mainstream parties influence the region’s political landscape, sidelining local voices and accountability.
Authorities in PoK struggle to meet basic needs like food and electricity, leading to public discontent. The report points out a cycle of authoritarian governance in PoK, where temporary relief measures follow public protests, highlighting a lack of sustainable solutions.
