Questions raised over governance and representation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir

Jan 02, 2026

The Chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, says Pakistan maintains tight political control over Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), limiting democratic rights and marginalising local leadership. He argues that real authority lies with unelected institutions, while elected bodies remain largely ineffective. Despite the region’s natural resources, local communities face shortages of basic services and limited economic opportunities.