Anger against their own government is a common thread in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK), with the latest wave of protests now lasting nearly five days, claiming three lives. Locals are seen chanting for the freedom of PoK. While Indian Kashmir is called 'Paradise on Earth,' PoK's splendor is not far behind. Despite this, tourism struggles to thrive due only to a handful of accessible areas.
What's the administrative structure of PoK like?
Spread over approximately 13,000 kilometers, with a population of over 40 million, the locals of so-called 'Azad Kashmir' point to their own cabinet and government structure. PoK's head is a president, while the prime minister acts as the chief executive. The territory, divided into 10 districts and with Muzaffarabad as its capital, even has its own Supreme Court. However, in reality, the control of law and governance is held by Pakistan.
Traveling within PoK
PoK consists of three main regions: Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, and Poonch, with Muzaffarabad as the capital, accessible by road from Islamabad. There are two airports, too, but they're mostly out of service. Tourists often travel to various parts of PoK via Rawalpindi and Murree's road routes. Buses also operate from Islamabad.
Source: aajtak
Permits Issued by the Home Department
Many parts of PoK are patrolled by the army, where access is restricted, including areas near the Indian border. Pakistani tourists can traverse PoK freely but are advised to carry identification at all times. Foreign tourists face stricter regulations, requiring permits specifying the areas they will visit. These permits are available for Dhirkot, Rawalakot, Chota Gala, Devkhan, Muzaffarabad, and Mansehra, and are issued by the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Home Department based in Muzaffarabad.
Tourists photographing in Pakistan should exercise caution due to a heavy military presence. Sensitive areas prohibit photography, leading to troublesome incidents for those unaware or negligent.
Footfall in PoK
By September 2023, PoK had attracted approximately 1.125 million tourists. Compared to previous years, where the figures barely exceeded 350,000, recent reports indicate a significant uptick in tourist numbers. The majority are drawn to locales like Neelum Valley and Leepa Valley. Besides, countless visitors arrive to witness the Ratti Gali Lake, a glacier at a high altitude. Reminding readers, Anju from India visited PoK to meet her friend Nasrullah; their photos were extensively shared on social media.
Source: aajtak
Growth in Hotels and Motels
The influx of tourists has positively impacted PoK's economy. Given its isolation, tourism-related endeavors like guesthouses, hotels, motels, transportation, and gastronomy are pivotal. This sector thrives primarily from March to September. There are over 3,500 rooms available, including government guesthouses. This data was provided by PoK's Tourism Department.
Challenges Impacting Tourism
Despite its natural beauty, sporadic airport service or the absence of railway connectivity deters tourists. According to local media, areas like Neelum Valley lack adequate hospitals, posing a risk for emergencies. Issues with power outages and weak internet signal also affect the footfall.
Tourism Dynamics in Indian-administered Kashmir
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha claimed a 350% increase in tourism over 2022. By September 2022, over 15 million tourists had visited, with numbers expected to exceed 22.5 million. Significant growth in foreign visitors from Europe, the Middle East, Thailand, and Malaysia was noted by the Tourism Department—laying plans to build more offbeat destinations and attract additional travelers. Over 50,000 international tourists had visited the previous year.
Source: aajtak
The Contrast between Indian Kashmir and PoK
- The per capita income of Jammu and Kashmir is over 125,000, while PoK's income is less than half. - Compared to over 30 universities in Jammu & Kashmir, PoK has only 6 universities. - Jammu & Kashmir boasts over 2,800 government hospitals, in stark contrast to the 23 in PoK. - While Jammu & Kashmir residents can vote in the general elections of India, those in PoK cannot.
Why do Protests Persist in PoK?
Residents of PoK are frustrated with basic issues like rising costs and frequent power cuts. They accuse Islamabad of step-motherly treatment. Due to media blackouts, many of PoK's issues remain unexposed, but glimpses of neglect surfaced after the 2005 earthquake. Despite the presence of Pakistani forces, locals were left to their own devices. International watchdog Human Rights Watch documented this incident in its annual report. There's also an accusation that Pakistan uses PoK's land to foster militants for political strife, with the Mumbai attacks' culprit Ajmal Kasab trained in PoK's capital, Muzaffarabad.
