Saturday, February 8, 2025

Crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, PoJK

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The recent eruption of protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) sheds light on the simmering discontent among the residents of the region. Videos circulating on social media depict scenes of civilians pelting stones at security personnel. It is a visible manifestation of the frustration boiling over in response to inflation and anti-PoJK policies of the Pakistani government.

Economic Strain and Policy Failures

Pakistan finds itself grappling with economic pressures, characterized by an empty treasury, political instability, and mounting foreign loans. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to implement stringent cost-side reforms to salvage the country’s energy sector, urging an end to power subsidies. Consequently, the burden has shifted onto the populace, with electricity prices skyrocketing across various tariff brackets. The removal of wheat subsidies and bureaucratic corruption have further exacerbated the plight of PoJK residents, aggravating their grievances.

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Moreover, reports indicate that electricity generated in PoJK is being redirected to larger cities in Pakistan, intensifying local resentment. The economic strain coupled with policy failures has catalyzed widespread protests, reflecting the failure of the Pakistani administration to address the basic needs of the occupied territory.

Suppression of Dissent in PoJK

In response to the escalating protests, the Pakistani government opted for repression over dialogue, deploying security forces to quell dissent. However, these heavy-handed tactics backfired as the protests intensified, resulting in clashes between civilians and security personnel. Shocking videos emerged depicting the use of firearms against protesters, leading to casualties and exposing human rights violations.

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Additionally, the authorities resorted to arbitrary arrests, targeting activists and even children associated with the dissenting voices. Instances such as tear gas shells landing in schools, injuring female students, highlight the indiscriminate nature of the crackdown on dissent.

The Fight for Identity and Rights in PoJK

Amidst the turmoil, voices advocating for the rights and identity of PoJK residents have emerged. Leaders like Shaukat Nawaz Mir have become symbols of resistance, rallying for peaceful activism and preservation of regional identity. Their calls for solidarity and resilience resonate with the aspirations of the beleaguered populace, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity in the face of adversity.

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Comparison with Kashmir on India’s Side

A comparative analysis with the situation in Jammu and Kashmir on India’s side underscores a stark contrast. Since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, the region has witnessed unprecedented progress propelled by strategic governance models and sustained investments. The implementation of national schemes, infrastructure development, and efforts to curb terrorism have fostered stability and prosperity, offering a beacon of hope for conflict-ridden regions.

The ongoing crisis in PoJK shows the failure of the Pakistani government to address the grievances of its people and ensure their well-being. It highlights the importance of strategic governance models in fostering peace and stability, as evidenced by the progress in Jammu and Kashmir on India’s side.

The international community must heed the plight of PoJK residents and exert pressure on the Pakistani government to uphold human rights and facilitate dialogue to address the root causes of dissent. Failure to do so risks perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability, further exacerbating the suffering of the marginalized populace.

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