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Pakistan's Self-Determination Rhetoric Masks Oppression in PoK, Report Says

A report criticizes Pakistan's annual observance of "Right to Self-Determination Day" as a selective narrative that distracts from issues in territories it controls, such as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. It states that real decision-making power in these areas lies with Islamabad, where local authorities have limited powers and freedoms are restricted. The report contrasts this with developments in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, citing improved infrastructure, tourism, and governance. It concludes that the aspirations of people in J&K are grounded in stability and development, contrary to Pakistani narratives focusing on grievance.

Key Points: Report: Pakistan's Kashmir Rhetoric Ignores PoK Oppression

  • Pakistan marks annual "Right to Self-Determination Day"
  • Report says it ignores realities in Pakistan-occupied territories
  • Development cited in Jammu & Kashmir since 2019
  • PoK faces suppression, limited local power
  • Pakistan's position called contradictory
3 min read

Pakistan's self-determination rhetoric ignores oppression in PoK, PoGB: Report

A report criticizes Pakistan's "Right to Self-Determination Day," highlighting limited freedoms in PoK and contrasting it with development in J&K.

"real self-determination is reflected in how people live their lives and participate in public life - Eurasia Review report"

Dhaka, Jan 8

Pakistan's annual rhetoric of "self-determination" emphasises a selective reading of history and distracts from the unresolved problems in its occupied territories, a report said on Thursday. It added that real self-determination is reflected in how people live their lives and participate in public life, not through yearly statements.

On January 5 every year, Pakistan marks what it calls "Right to Self-Determination Day", reiterating its claim over India's Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a report in Eurasia Review, Pakistan's statements ignore the realities of the territories it controls, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), where the real decision-making power lies with the federal government in Islamabad. It added that the local authorities in these regions occupied by Pakistan have limited powers, pro-independence groups are suppressed, media freedom is restricted, and constitutional arrangements constrain self-rule.

The report highlighted that since 2019, developments pursued by the Indian government in Jammu and Kashmir have positively impacted day-to-day life, with increased investment in roads, railways, electricity, healthcare, and education.

"Travel and trade links have improved. Tourism has grown and created jobs. Welfare schemes now reach more people. Direct benefit transfers have expanded access to government support. Legal changes have strengthened property rights for women and disadvantaged groups. Local elections have been held," it noted

Similar progress, the report said, is not witnessed in Pakistan-occupied areas, where development remains slower and local authorities have limited control.

"There is also a clear contradiction in Pakistan's position. It calls for international involvement in Kashmir but resists scrutiny of its own governance. It raises human rights concerns about India while limiting political freedoms in areas it controls. It criticises militarisation but continues to rely on armed groups that support its interests," it stated.

The report emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and enjoys constitutional status, representation through elections, and functioning political institutions.

"Elections and local governance continue. Since 2019, voter turnout, economic activity, and tourism figures suggest that many people want stability and better livelihoods. Many residents focus on education, jobs and development rather than the ongoing conflict. Their aspirations are unmistakably Indian in character, grounded in stability rather than instability, and focused on futures rather than festering grievances," it mentioned.

Narratives coming from the Pakistani side, the report said, which "glorify violence or present Kashmir only as a place of grievance, do not reflect these priorities" but "add to instability instead of addressing everyday concerns".

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations, the double standard is clear. Pakistan demands UN intervention in Indian-administered Kashmir but will not allow any scrutiny of its own controlled territories. The focus should be on the development and rights of all Kashmiris, not political posturing.
P
Priya S
The progress in Jammu & Kashmir since 2019 is visible. New roads, better schools, and more tourists. My cousin in Srinagar says there's a sense of normalcy returning. Meanwhile, what about the people in PoK? Do they even have basic internet freedom? Their voices are silenced.
R
Rahul R
Real self-determination means having a say in your own governance. In PoK, everything is controlled from Islamabad. It's an occupied territory, plain and simple. India has its challenges too, but at least there is a democratic process and constitutional framework in place for J&K.
A
Aman W
While I agree with the report's main point, we in India must also ensure our development narrative is inclusive and reaches everyone in J&K. It's not just about infrastructure, but about hearts and minds. We must keep improving governance and listening to local concerns. The comparison with PoK, however, is undeniably stark.
N
Nikhil C
Year after year, the same empty rhetoric from Pakistan. Meanwhile, young people in Kashmir want jobs, education, and peace. The tourism numbers speak for themselves. The world needs to see this report and ask Pakistan some hard questions about PoK.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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