Two realities of Kashmir: A tale of rights, freedoms and responsibilities

The contrasting realities of Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir and Azad Jammu & Kashmir starkly reflect two divergent approaches toward governance, rights and dignity of the Kashmiri people. On one side lies an occupied land under siege, stripped of fundamental freedoms, while on the other stands a region enjoying self-governance, constitutional rights and state-backed privileges under Pakistan’s support.

Life under Occupation in IIOJK

The story of IIOJK is not new. Since 1947, when India forcibly occupied the territory in violation of the partition plan, the United Nations has passed a series of resolutions, most notably the UNSC resolutions of 1948 and subsequent years, calling for a free and impartial plebiscite to allow the people of Jammu & Kashmir to decide their future. India, despite being a signatory, has reneged on its commitments for over seven decades.

Instead of honoring international obligations, New Delhi has pursued a policy of militarization and suppression. Since the illegal and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and 35A on 5 August 2019, IIOJK has been turned into the world’s largest open-air prison. The region remains under heavy militarization with over 900,000 Indian troops deployed, resulting in a suffocating ratio of one soldier per 8 civilians. Reports of arbitrary arrests, custodial killings, enforced disappearances and denial of due process continue to pour in from international human rights watchdogs.

Civil liberties, freedom of speech, assembly and movement, stand severely curtailed. Journalists face censorship, political leaders remain under detention and ordinary Kashmiris are denied internet access, employment opportunities and land ownership rights. The imposition of draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has institutionalized repression, criminalizing even peaceful dissent.

Economically, Kashmiris face systematic disempowerment: outsiders are now allowed to purchase land in IIOJK, threatening demographic change, while locals face hurdles in education, healthcare and employment under the shadow of occupation.

A Different Reality in AJK

In stark contrast, Azad Jammu & Kashmir enjoys political and social freedoms. AJK has its own elected Legislative Assembly, President, Prime Minister, Supreme Court and High Court, functioning with autonomy in line with the aspirations of its people. Political parties operate freely, elections are held regularly and the people exercise their right to vote without fear.

Pakistan extends substantial privileges and subsidies to AJK, including: -

• Electricity and flour subsidies to ensure affordability despite Pakistan’s economic challenges.
• Federal PSDP allocations for roads, education, health and infrastructure.
• Unlike IIOJK, the people of AJK enjoy media freedom, cultural expression and the right to peaceful protest without fear of disappearance or repression.
• AJK residents practice their faith openly without restrictions on mosques, Friday sermons, or religious gatherings.
• Kashmiris in AJK enjoy open access to employment and business opportunities across Pakistan. They can freely take up jobs in government, armed forces, civil services, academia and the private sector, as well as establish businesses and trade ventures without restrictions. Thousands of AJK residents work and study in Pakistan’s major cities, Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and beyond, benefiting from equal rights of movement, residency and economic participation. This integration ensures that Kashmiris of AJK are not isolated but fully connected to Pakistan’s national economy, unlike their Kashmiris in IIOJK who face systemic discrimination and exclusion.

Above all, there is no presence of an occupation army. The Pakistan Army serves to defend the Line of Control (LoC) and protect people against Indian aggression, not to suppress them.

Strike Call by the Awami Action Committee (AAC)

While AJK enjoys these freedoms and privileges, the recent strike call by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) risks undermining the very fabric of peace, progress and the Kashmir cause itself. Pakistan maintains that all differences, grievances and demands must be resolved through dialogue and constitutional channels, not through disruption of daily life.

Strike call brings markets to a halt, affect daily wagers, disrupt education and creates unnecessary hardship for the common man who is already facing economic challenges. More importantly, such actions echo the designs of hostile forces that wish to destabilize AJK internally and weaken the Kashmiri cause internationally.

By rejecting the path of dialogue, AAC’s approach threatens to shift focus away from the plight of oppressed Kashmiris in IIOJK and instead creates internal rifts in AJK. The government, of AJK and Pakistan have reiterated that constructive engagement remains the only viable option for resolving disputes and that responsible political actors must avoid actions that play into the hands of adversaries.

Pakistan’s Consistent Stance

Pakistan has consistently upheld its principled stance: Jammu & Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory, to be resolved in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. By ensuring constitutional privileges, subsidies and freedoms to AJK, Pakistan demonstrates its commitment to the rights and dignity of Kashmiris, standing in stark opposition to Indian policy in IIOJK.

Conclusion

The two halves of Kashmir are today a mirror to the world: one under occupation and oppression, the other enjoying autonomy and support. The global community must recognize this reality and hold India accountable for its crimes in IIOJK.

At the same time, common Kashmiris in AJK must acknowledge Pakistan’s unwavering political, economic and diplomatic contributions in keeping the Kashmir issue alive and supporting their rights. By choosing dialogue over disruption and unity over division, Kashmiris can strengthen the very cause for which generations have sacrificed and for which Pakistan continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them.