Youm e Tasees: A Celebration of the Bonding between Kashmir and Pakistan
(Written by: Abdul Basit Alvi): The bond between Kashmiris and Pakistanis is deep and meaningful. The connection between the people of Pakistan and the residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is a powerful testament to their shared identity, culture, and aspirations. Grounded in history, geography, and a common struggle for self-determination, this relationship goes beyond political affiliations, embodying a profound emotional and social connection that continues to flourish.
AJK operates under a parliamentary system, where the President acts as the head of state and the Prime Minister serves as the head of government. The region has its own legislative assembly responsible for enacting laws on various matters, except for foreign affairs and defense, which remain under the federal government’s jurisdiction. This structure allows AJK to maintain a degree of political autonomy while still being integrated into Pakistan. In terms of administrative facilities, AJK has made notable progress over the years. The region is home to several governmental institutions dedicated to providing public services and promoting development. AJK has a network of hospitals and clinics that address the healthcare needs of its residents. The government has launched health programs aimed at combating prevalent diseases and enhancing maternal and child health. Additionally, AJK features various educational institutions, including universities and colleges, that offer higher education opportunities. Efforts have been made to improve literacy rates and expand access to education, particularly in rural areas. Infrastructure improvements in road networks, telecommunications, and energy supply have been prioritized to enhance connectivity within AJK and with the rest of Pakistan. Development projects funded by the government and international agencies aim to elevate the living standards of the local population. AJK’s breathtaking landscapes, which include mountains, rivers, and forests, attract tourists from across the country and beyond. The government has invested in promoting tourism as a key sector for economic growth, developing facilities such as hotels and recreational areas to enhance visitor experiences.
In contrast, IIOJK has been a focal point of conflict and human rights violations for decades. The situation has attracted international attention due to ongoing reports of atrocities committed by security forces, including the Indian Army. It is crucial to highlight the human rights violations in IIOJK and their implications for the local population and the broader international community. The Indian government maintains a heavy military presence in IIOJK, justifying it as necessary for so-called national security. However, this militarization has resulted in widespread human rights abuses against the local population. Reports from various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, document numerous violations in IIOJK. Security forces frequently employ excessive and lethal force during protests and clashes, using live ammunition, pellet guns, and tear gas against unarmed civilians, resulting in deaths and severe injuries. The use of pellet guns, in particular, has caused significant eye injuries among protesters, including children. Numerous reports indicate that individuals suspected of involvement in freedom movements have faced enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions. Families often remain unaware of the fate of their loved ones for extended periods, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Testimonies from former detainees reveal disturbing accounts of torture, including both physical and psychological abuse, during interrogations. Such practices not only breach national and international law but also leave enduring scars on the victims and their families. The Indian government has imposed stringent restrictions on media and communication in IIOJK. Journalists face harassment, threats, and detention for reporting on human rights violations. The communication blackout that ensued following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, further isolated the region and limited the flow of information. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant displacement, both within the region and beyond. Families have been uprooted from their homes, with many losing their livelihoods due to the instability in the region. The socioeconomic fabric of IIOJK has been profoundly affected, exacerbating poverty and inequality. The international community has largely condemned the human rights violations occurring in IIOJK, with various United Nations bodies calling for investigations into these abuses and urging the Indian government to respect the rights of the Kashmiri people. However, tangible actions remain limited, as geopolitical considerations often hinder robust interventions.
The narrative of shared struggle against perceived aggression from India has strengthened the belief that Pakistan can better protect the interests of Kashmiris. Cultural and linguistic ties to Pakistan play a significant role in shaping the aspirations of Kashmiris. A sense of shared history and identity fosters a desire for political union that reflects these connections. Numerous surveys and polls conducted in the region have indicated a preference for accession to Pakistan among various segments of the population. The desire for union with Pakistan remains a strong undercurrent in Kashmiri society. A small segment of Kashmiris argues that they do not wish to be part of Pakistan and instead aspire to establish an independent state, but this perspective is largely misguided. In practical terms, the idea of Kashmir as a sovereign entity would face significant challenges, making its viability as an independent state highly questionable. The geopolitical context is perhaps the most daunting obstacle for Kashmir. Since the partition of British India in 1947, Kashmir has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan. An independent Kashmir would need to navigate these turbulent dynamics, potentially becoming a pawn in the larger India-Pakistan rivalry. The presence of nuclear weapons on both sides introduces an existential risk that complicates any aspirations for independence. While Kashmir boasts natural beauty and resources, its economy faces significant challenges. Primarily heavily reliant on tourism, the region lacks the robust economic infrastructure necessary for self-sufficiency. An independent Kashmir would struggle to implement stable economic policies without support from a larger nation. Kashmir is home to a diverse population with a range of political, religious, and ethnic identities. The desire for independence is not universally shared among its residents.
The security landscape in Kashmir is fraught with challenges due to significant militarization and a heavy Indian military presence. An independent Kashmir would need to establish its own military and security apparatus, requiring substantial investment and resources. Without a strong military, an independent Kashmir could be vulnerable to external threats, including incursions from India.
For an independent Kashmir to thrive, it would require international recognition and support. However, the geopolitical interests of global powers often align more closely with India and Pakistan than with an independent Kashmir. Gaining recognition from key players could be a monumental challenge, as nations may hesitate to support a new state in a region already marked by tension and conflict.
Despite its natural resources, Kashmir faces environmental challenges such as water scarcity and climate change. An independent Kashmir would need to manage its resources wisely while navigating disputes over water rights with neighboring countries. Sustainable resource management is critical for economic survival, and any missteps could heighten tensions both internally and with neighbors. Additionally, Kashmir lacks a port, complicating its ability to engage in international trade independently.
It is evident that an independent Kashmir would struggle to survive in a hostile environment, particularly with an adversarial neighbor like India. In contrast, Kashmiris in AJK enjoy freedoms and rights, living and working as first-class citizens of Pakistan, while the dire human rights situation in IIOJK serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced under Indian rule.
On Youm-e-Tasees, Kashmiris reaffirm their commitment to their struggle for self-determination and to accede all of Kashmir to Pakistan. The day will come when India will be compelled to recognize the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and respect the will of the people in IIOJK.
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