Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir is the full form of POK. In 1947, Pakistan actually invaded Pakistan and occupied Kashmir (POK). POK has been split into two parts: Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. In 2020, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (Azad Kashmir+Gilgit Baltistan) had a population of approximately 52 lac people. Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) is a portion of Kashmir that borders Pakistan’s Punjab province in the northwest, Afghanistan’s Wakhan corridor, China’s Xinjiang region, and Indian Kashmir to the east.
Geography and Location of POK
POK, or Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, is a region placed inside the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is an area that is currently administered by means of Pakistan but is also claimed through India as a part of the larger area of Jammu and Kashmir. POK stocks borders with numerous areas and countries:
- India: POK shares a border with the Indian-administered union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Line of Control (LoC), which serves as the de facto border between the 2 sides, separates POK from Indian territory.
- China: To the north, POK stocks a border with China’s Xinjiang area. This border is likewise a supply of dispute between India and Pakistan.
- Gilgit-Baltistan: To the northeast, POK borders the place of Gilgit-Baltistan, which is likewise administered with the aid of Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan is situated in the northern part of Pakistan.
- Afghanistan: POK is located to the west of Afghanistan.
Political Status of POK
- The political status of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in Pakistan, is a matter of international dispute. Administered by Pakistan, it is claimed by India as part of its territory. The Line of Control (LoC) serves as the de facto border, and the region has limited autonomy.
- The United Nations passed resolutions for a plebiscite, but it has not occurred due to ongoing conflict. The status of POK remains a source of tension, with international attention and calls for a peaceful resolution.
- In summary, the political status of POK is a complex and contentious issue with historical roots dating back to the partition of India in 1947. It remains a focal point of tension between India and Pakistan, and its ultimate resolution remains a subject of international concern and diplomacy.
History of Pakistan's Control
Pakistan’s control over Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), is rooted in the historical events surrounding the partition of British India in 1947:
- Partition of British India (1947): British India was divided into India and Pakistan in 1947 upon gaining independence. Jammu and Kashmir, a princely state with a Hindu ruler and a Muslim-majority population, became a contentious issue.
- Accession to India: Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, initially sought to maintain independence. However, tribal forces supported by Pakistan invaded the region in October 1947. In response, Maharaja Hari Singh requested military assistance from India, agreeing to accede to India in return.
- Ceasefire and Control Line: A ceasefire was brokered by the United Nations in January 1949, resulting in the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC) as the de facto border between the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied territories.
- Pakistan’s Control: Pakistan retained control over the western and northern parts of the princely state, which include Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. This control has continued since 1947-48.
UN Resolution and Stalemate: The United Nations passed resolutions calling for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir to determine its political future. However, this plebiscite has not occurred due to the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan.
- Limited Autonomy: While Pakistan refers to AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan as “self-governing” territories, it maintains significant control over them. Key officials in these regions are appointed by the central government in Islamabad.
- Conflict and Tensions: The political status of POK, along with the broader issue of Jammu and Kashmir, has been a central point of contention between India and Pakistan. The two countries have engaged in wars and conflicts over the region.
- International Concern: The political status of POK has attracted international attention, with various countries and international organizations calling for a peaceful resolution of the dispute through dialogue between India and Pakistan.
Economy and Development
The economy and development in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), are influenced by various factors:
- Economic Challenges: POK faces economic challenges due to limited resources, infrastructure deficits, and its disputed status, hindering foreign investment.
- Agriculture: Agriculture, including apple and crop production, is vital in POK.
- Tourism Potential: POK’s scenic landscapes could attract tourists, but political instability affects tourism.
- Hydropower Potential: The region has untapped hydropower potential for energy and development.
- Infrastructure Development: Investments in infrastructure are needed for connectivity.
- Limited Autonomy: POK has limited autonomy, with Pakistan controlling governance.
- Trade: POK’s economy relies on trade with Pakistan and has trade potential with China through CPEC.
- Education and Healthcare: Investments are essential for human development.
- Political Status: The disputed status affects international aid and investments.
- International Attention: POK’s political situation attracts international interest.
- Geopolitical Significance: Its location impacts regional stability.
Conclusion
In the end, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), referred to as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), is a location marked via its unique political reputation and geographical place. It faces economically demanding situations, which include restricted assets and infrastructure deficits, which effect its development potential. While agriculture and tourism keep promise, political instability and constrained autonomy preclude growth.
Investments in infrastructure, training, and healthcare are essential for improving dwelling standards. The disputed reputation of POK remains a relevant difficulty affecting its financial potentialities, and its improvement can have implications for nearby balance, given its geopolitical importance. The future of POK’s economic system and improvement will depend on addressing these demanding situations and locating a non-violent resolution to its political fame.
Frequently Asked Question
POK stands for Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. It refers to the regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) that are administered by Pakistan
POK is considered a disputed territory because of conflicting territorial claims by India and Pakistan. Both countries assert sovereignty over the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes POK. The dispute stems from the partition of British India in 1947.
The Line of Control (LoC) is the de facto border that separates the Indian-administered territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from POK.
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