Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) are regions in Pakistan that have long been neglected in various domains such as education, youth unemployment, poverty, infrastructure, healthcare, and food security. This neglect has led to significant socio-economic challenges for the residents of these areas. Highlighting the extent of neglect and its impact on the people of POJK and GB is the most crucial step that society demands at present.
Since Pakistan’s independence, GB has lacked political representation in the national parliament. Despite its historical struggle to end this inequality with other regions, GB does not have seats in either of the two houses of the Pakistan Assembly.
Education is a fundamental right and a crucial factor for socio-economic development. However, the education sector in POJK and GB has been severely neglected. According to the Pakistan Education Statistics 2021-22 report, there are significant disparities in the availability of essential facilities such as toilets, potable water, and boundary walls in schools across different regions of Pakistan. POJK and GB are among the regions with the lowest access to these basic facilities. The lack of infrastructure in schools is a major barrier to education in these regions.
Many schools operate without proper buildings, and students often have to study in makeshift classrooms or under open skies. This not only affects the quality of education but also discourages parents from sending their children to school, especially girls. As a result, the literacy rate in these regions remains low compared to the national average.
Moreover, there is a significant shortage of qualified teachers in POJK and GB. The existing teachers are often underpaid and lack proper training, which affects their ability to deliver quality education. The government has made some efforts to address these issues, such as the establishment of Daanish schools in POJK and GB, but these initiatives are not enough to meet the growing educational needs of the population.
Youth unemployment is another major issue in POJK and GB. The unemployment rate in POJK is double that of Pakistan’s other provinces. The lack of job opportunities forces many young people to migrate to other parts of the country or abroad in search of better prospects. This brain drain further hampers the development of these regions. The situation is particularly dire for women and young people. The female labour force participation rate in POJK is only 7.9%, compared to the national average of 23%. Similarly, the youth unemployment rate in POJK is 27%, indicating systemic inequities within the labour market.
The lack of employment opportunities not only affects the economic well-being of individuals but also contributes to social issues such as crime and drug abuse. In GB, the situation is slightly better due to the presence of a highly educated workforce in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. However, many young people still struggle to find decent jobs and are forced to settle for low-paying, dead-end jobs. The government needs to create more job opportunities and provide vocational training to equip young people with the skills needed for the job market.
Poverty is a pervasive issue in POJK and GB. According to the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, the proportion of the population living below the poverty line in these regions is significantly higher than the national average. The multidimensional poverty index, which takes into account factors such as education, health, and living standards, also indicates high levels of poverty in these regions. The high poverty rates are a result of various factors, including the lack of economic opportunities, poor infrastructure, and limited access to basic services.
Many households in POJK and GB rely on subsistence farming and face challenges such as low agricultural productivity and limited access to markets. The government has implemented some poverty alleviation programs, such as the Interest-Free Loan Programme, but these initiatives have not been sufficient to address the root causes of poverty.
The lack of basic infrastructure is a major barrier to development in POJK and GB. The regions suffer from poor road networks, inadequate water supply, and limited access to electricity. The mountainous terrain and harsh weather conditions further exacerbate these challenges. The government has announced several infrastructure development projects such as the construction of the Shounter tunnel and the establishment of a bus service between POJK and GB.
However, these projects have faced delays and funding issues along with giving contracts to outside contractors which suppresses local marginal contractors, and their impact on the ground has been limited. The lack of infrastructure not only affects the quality of life of the residents but also hinders economic activities and access to essential services.
Healthcare services in POJK and GB are inadequate and fail to meet the needs of the population. The regions have a limited number of healthcare facilities, and those that exist are often poorly equipped and understaffed. Overall healthcare infrastructure remains insufficient. The lack of healthcare services has serious implications for the health and well-being of the residents. Many people have to travel long distances to access medical care, and the cost of treatment is often prohibitive. The government needs to invest in healthcare infrastructure and ensure that quality healthcare services are accessible to all residents of POJK and GB.
Food security is a major concern in POJK and GB. The regions are heavily dependent on government subsidies for basic necessities such as wheat which started in 1970. The recent reduction in wheat subsidies, declared by the GB Chief Minister due to pressure from the federal government, has led to widespread protests and increased food insecurity. The rugged terrain and limited agricultural land make it difficult for the regions to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
Once upon a time, wheat was a budget hero at 20 PKR per kilo (that’s a mere 7 cents in USD). But then—plot twist!—the government cranked up the price to 36 PKR (13 cents). An 80% leap! The government needs to address the food crisis by restoring subsidies and promoting local agricultural production. This can be achieved through initiatives such as providing farmers with access to modern farming techniques and improving access to markets. Ensuring food security is essential for the overall development and well-being of the residents of POJK and GB.
The neglect of POJK and GB in various domains such as education, youth unemployment, poverty, infrastructure, healthcare, and food security has had serious implications for the socio-economic development of these regions. The government needs to take urgent and comprehensive measures to address these issues and ensure that the residents of POJK and GB have access to basic services and opportunities for a better quality of life. By investing in these regions and addressing their unique challenges, Pakistan can promote inclusive and sustainable development for all its citizens.
