The State of Pakistan confers a special affinity to Kashmir and dispute with India has not only remained the cardinal constituent of Pakistan’s foreign policy but also plays significant role in Pakistan’s evolving domestic milieu. Kashmir, a serene piece of land replete with its mesmerising textures and patriotic people holds an emotional attachment for the people of Pakistan. Pakistan has always stood for its Kashmiri brethren and their sacrifices for right to self determination. The perception in Pakistan that even a political force of the country found distancing itself from Kashmir cause loses its political clout in the masses is manifestation of public affinity to Kashmir. Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) system of governance is a facsimile of Pakistan based on AJ&K Interim Constitution Act 1974 which followed the pattern of the Pakistani Constitution of 1973. Governance models through Parliamentary System and Basic Democracies are in place to manage the affairs of the State. There is no denying the fact that AJ&K governance system remains under the influence of Pakistan’s internal political dynamics and at times it is misconstrued and exploited by inimical forces to foment unfound narratives of deprivation of AJ&K people. May 2023 protests across AJ&K were vehemently exploited by such forces spearheaded by our traditional foe India. Stemmed from exacerbated prices of commodities especially wheat flour and inflated electricity bills, these protests were merely an outcome of poor governance which cannot be termed as exclusive phenomenon to AJ&K only. Theses protests were immediately picked up by hostile Indian propagandists including Indian mainstream media. Pakistan government with the help of AJ&K government defused the situation by announcing wheat subsidies, reduction of electricity rates at production cost and Rs23 billion Federal package for AJ&K.
AJ&K spread over an area of 13,297 Square Kilometres is inhibited with a scarce population of 4.5 million which is 1.8% of the total population of Pakistan. By including a substantial number of diasporas (2 million), this percentage comes to 2.8% of the total population. AJ&K’s population growth rate which is 2.4% (equal to Punjab) indicates better economic and education profile, albeit further putting stress on economy, jobs, housing, education and infrastructure requirements. Moreover, Dual nationality of 2 million people of AJ&K provides opportunities which are otherwise denied to mainland citizens. As a sign of development, present road density is 0.66 which is far better than rest of the federating units and even Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). Burgeoning administrative structure is a challenge as population of AJ&K is less than that of District Rawalpindi. On the contrary, administrative structure is almost equal to that of a province, constraining the financial space for other sectors meriting priority. There is also a misconstrued perception that AJ&K is deprived of quality education while on the contrary facts related to education are highly inspiring with a literacy rate of 76.8%. In educational institutions of AJ&K better survival rate till grade 10 includes 66% for male and 76% for females and is indicative of the affordability for continuity of education. In line with population of AJ&K, 2% quota which comes to 125 seats is specified in 22 Universities of the country. Other incentive in the field of education includes an allocation of Rs. 750 million by Government of Punjab for AJ&K Education Endowment Fund and 36 reserved seats in Medical Colleges of Punjab for students from AJ&K.
Poor health facilities in AJ&K are another component of hostile propaganda by anti state elements. Considering actual resident population (2.45 million), doctor to patient ratio (1:4206) is better than IIOJK. However, deficiency of 187 doctors is attributed to Medical Students Graduating from Mainland do not prefer to return. Approximately 1.18 million patients are treated at Army medical facilities annually. It is also important to highlight that all AJ&K residents are entitled to free medical treatment at Military Health Facilities sharing considerable load of healthcare services of the State. Despite better revenue and foreign remittances contributing 25.1% of AJ&K’s economy (8% of Pak GDP) visible effs for public remain negligible and promptly exploited by inimical forces for their vested interests. Approx 3.24% population is employed in Army and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) of Pakistan constituting a regular force of 30,000 personnel and 40,172 in other LEAs of Federal Government. Besides, 105,200 retired personnel of these services also make 2.34% of the total population. 35.24% of population employed in Army, 3.24% in other LEAs, 2% in federal government and 30% in AJ&K government is in stark contradiction to propagated and uncalled for impression of unemployment. It is encouraging to note that AJ&K figures out as 6th among top 15 States with highest government employees in the world.
Reduction of exorbitant wheat flour prices were one of the demands of May 2023 protests which has now been reduced to Rs2,000 per 40 Kgs from Rs3,000 per 40kg. This price per 40kg is lowest as compared to Punjab (3,900), Sindh (4,000), Balochistan (4,300), KP (3,950) and IIOJK (4,680). Another significant narrative is concerning power generation vis a vis electricity charges in AJ&K. It is a view that AJ&K produces maximum electricity for Pakistan whereas out of total electricity produced through power generation (46,035MW), AJ&K produces only 6.3% (2966 MW). In hydel power generation, a total of 10,635MW electricity is produced out of which AJ&K only produces 2,966MW which is 28.5% of the national grid. On the contrary, Rs3-6 per unit is cost charged from the residents of AJ&K while similar cost in rest of the country ranges from Rs3.95 to Rs42.72 per unit.
These statistics are reflective of the fact that a heinous and unfounded propaganda is resorted to strew discord and despondency among patriotic masses of AJ&K. Pakistan’s unflinching commitment to the prosperity of AJ&K and unwavering support to the just cause of IIOJK causes anxiety for those who yearn for unrest in this geo-strategic region of Pakistan.
Omay Aimen is a freelance contributor who writes on issues concerning national and regional security. She can be reached at omayaimen333@gmail.com
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