Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighbourhood, Issue: Political Unrest and Representation Crisis in PoK.
Context:
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is witnessing major protests marked by public anger, state crackdown and political tension. The immediate trigger is linked to the issue of Assembly seats reserved for migrants from Jammu and Kashmir settled in Pakistan. However, the unrest reflects deeper grievances over representation, economic distress, resource control and historical neglect.
Key Takeaways:
Explanation:
Economic Grievances:
- The protests initially emerged over rising electricity bills and shortages of subsidised wheat.
- Residents argue that PoK generates hydropower but continues to face high electricity tariffs.
- Public anger has also increased against the privileges enjoyed by officials amid wider economic hardship.
- Long-standing underdevelopment, unemployment and weak delivery of basic services have intensified resentment.
Democratic Representation:
- The central controversy concerns 12 Assembly seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir migrants settled in different parts of Pakistan.
- Elections to these seats are conducted outside PoK, including in Punjab and Sindh.
- Local residents argue that these seats allow Islamabad to influence the composition of the PoK Assembly.
- In a 53-member Assembly, PoK voters directly elect only 33 members, creating a perceived democratic deficit.
- There is also resentment that funds for these representatives come from PoK’s resources despite local voters not electing them.
Political Mobilisation and State Response:
- The protests are led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, formed by traders, professionals and civil society actors.
- Authorities have responded through bans, arrests, stringent charges and police action.
- The crackdown has attracted criticism from India and concern among sections of the PoK diaspora, especially in the United Kingdom.
Wider Strategic Significance:
- Developments in PoK are linked to the broader issue of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
- Gilgit-Baltistan has also witnessed grievances over political status, economic neglect and representation.
- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Gilgit-Baltistan, which India has consistently opposed.
Conclusion:
The PoK protests combine immediate economic distress with deeper historical and political grievances. The issue of reserved seats has become a symbol of democratic deficit, federal control and unequal representation. The unrest also highlights continuing instability in areas of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
Source: (The Indian Express)
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
PoK Representation Crisis and Democratic Deficit