Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), also referred to in India as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by Pakistan, is a region of significant geopolitical importance and historical complexity. It has been at the heart of the India-Pakistan conflict ever since the partition of British India in 1947. Understanding the history of POK is essential to grasp the ongoing disputes and diplomatic dynamics in South Asia.
🗺️ Geographical Overview
POK is located in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, bordering the Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir to the east, Pakistan to the west, and Gilgit-Baltistan to the north. The region is currently administered by Pakistan but is claimed by India as an integral part of its territory, as per the original accession of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.
📜 The Origin of the Conflict – 1947
When British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan in August 1947, princely states were given the option to join either dominion or remain independent. Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, initially chose to remain independent.
However, in October 1947, tribal militias from Pakistan (with support from the Pakistani army) invaded Kashmir. In response, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India on 26 October 1947, requesting military assistance from India. Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar, and a war broke out between India and Pakistan.
⚔️ First India-Pakistan War (1947–1948)
The war lasted until January 1949, ending with a UN-mediated ceasefire. The ceasefire line, later known as the Line of Control (LoC), left Pakistan in control of approximately one-third of the territory of Jammu and Kashmir, now called Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) by India.
📑 UN Resolution and Ceasefire Agreement
In 1948, India approached the United Nations, which passed Resolution 47. The resolution called for:
- Pakistan to withdraw its forces.
- India to reduce its military presence.
- A free and fair plebiscite to decide the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the plebiscite never took place because Pakistan did not withdraw its forces, and conditions for a neutral vote were never achieved.
🏛️ Political Setup of POK
POK, or “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” as termed by Pakistan, has its own constitution, president, and legislative assembly. However, the region is not fully autonomous. Pakistan controls defense, foreign affairs, and currency. Critics often point out that the region lacks real freedom and is governed indirectly by Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir Affairs.
🧭 Gilgit-Baltistan: A Separate but Related Issue
North of POK lies Gilgit-Baltistan, a region that was also part of the original princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan administered this region separately and, in 2009, granted it limited autonomy. India also claims Gilgit-Baltistan as part of the larger Jammu and Kashmir territory.
🌐 Strategic Importance and Modern Context
POK is significant due to its location, bordering China, Afghanistan, and India. The region is also central to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project, passing through Gilgit-Baltistan. India has opposed CPEC, claiming it violates its sovereignty.
🧨 Current Status and Diplomatic Stand
India maintains that the entire Jammu & Kashmir, including POK and Gilgit-Baltistan, is an integral part of its territory. The Indian Parliament passed resolutions reaffirming this claim. In contrast, Pakistan views POK as a “liberated” region with aspirations for full integration with Pakistan.
Tensions continue to flare across the Line of Control, and POK remains a major point of contention in India-Pakistan relations.
✅ Conclusion
The history of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir is deeply tied to the partition of India, the accession of Jammu and Kashmir, and subsequent wars and diplomatic efforts. Today, POK is not just a territorial issue but also a symbol of unresolved legacies of partition, national identity, and regional power politics.
Understanding the roots and current dynamics of POK is essential for anyone interested in South Asian history, geopolitics, and international relations.