History of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK)

Why in News?

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is often in the news because of the continued disagreements and tensions between India and Pakistan about who owns the region. Protests and political events happening in PoK, along with strong comments made by Indian leaders about the area, usually make it a major topic in the media.

Introduction

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) is a part of the larger Jammu and Kashmir region in the northern Indian subcontinent. It is currently controlled by Pakistan, but India considers it a part of its own territory. The region has been at the center of tension between India and Pakistan since 1947.

What is POK?

POK is a region that Pakistan has controlled since the war of 1947-48 between India and Pakistan. It was originally part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. This area became disputed after the partition of India when Pakistan sent its army into the region. India claims that POK is illegally occupied by Pakistan.

What is Azad Kashmir?

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, or ”Azad Kashmir,” is the name Pakistan gives to a part of POK. ”Azad” means ”free” in Urdu. It is said to be self-governing but is still under the control of Pakistan. It lies to the west of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and to the east of Gilgit-Baltistan, another region under Pakistani control.

History of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir

In 1947, India became independent from British rule. Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state with a Hindu ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh and a Muslim majority population. At first, the Maharaja wanted to remain independent. But when Pakistani forces entered the region, he chose to join India by signing the Instrument of Accession.

This led to the first war between India and Pakistan in 1947-48. A ceasefire was declared and a Line of Control was created, dividing the region into Indian-controlled and Pakistani-controlled parts. The Pakistani side came to be known as POK.

Key Facts About POK

• Location: In the western Himalayas, borders Afghanistan (northwest), China (north) and India (east and south).
• Area: About 4.6 million people live in the region.
• Languages: Urdu and Kashmiri are commonly spoken.
• Religion: The majority of the population is Muslim.
• Main cities: Muzaffarabad (capital), Mirpur and Kotli.
• Government: Semi-presidential system with its own President and Prime Minister, but is still controlled by Pakistan.
• Economy: Mostly based on farming (rice, wheat, maize) and some industries like textiles and pharmaceuticals.

When did India Lose POK?

India lost control of POK in late 1947, after Pakistan invaded the area. At that time, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir joined India, but Pakistani forces had already taken over some areas. These areas have remained under Pakistani control ever since.

Area of POK

POK covers about 34,000 square kilometers, which is roughly 13,297 square miles. It includes parts of which India still claims as its own territory.