PoK and EAM Jaishankar's Firm Reply to the Pakistani Journalist in London

PoK: An Integral Part of India The issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has remained a significant point of contention between India and Pakistan for decades. However, the reality remains unchanged—PoK is an integral part of India, and this fact is undeniable. The people of today’s generation, whether in India or in PoK, seek development and growth rather than political turmoil. Since the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed remarkable development, a transformation that has not gone unnoticed by the people in PoK or even in Pakistan. India has been dealing with cross-border terrorism for the past 35 years, and as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pointed out during his interaction in London, the only issue at hand is PoK. He emphasized that once the PoK matter is resolved, terrorism emanating from across the border will also come to an end. This is a reality that both India and the world have come to recognize. Kashmir’s Progress Post-Abrogation of Article 370 Following the abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir has witnessed extensive development. Democratic participation has surged, with high voter turnouts in elections, indicating renewed trust in governance. Business startups are thriving, and the region is experiencing a boom in economic activities. An example of this progress was witnessed on Army Day in Pune on January 15, 2025, when a young Kashmiri girl was seen reporting live from a once-restricted area in Kashmir, where previously, girls rarely ventured outside due to security concerns. Such instances showcase the tangible progress Kashmir has made post-Article 370 abrogation. The new generation in Kashmir is embracing positive change, and the people in PoK are watching these developments closely. There will be a time when the people of PoK will realize the necessity of integrating with India for their own betterment. Pakistan’s Internal Struggles and the PoK Reality Pakistan’s stance on PoK is based on a flawed and untenable claim. In reality, Pakistan has illegally occupied this region and failed to ensure any development there. The current socio-economic crisis in Pakistan has left its youth disillusioned, with the richer class leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. Meanwhile, the lower and middle classes struggle with a lack of economic growth and basic amenities. When Pakistan itself is grappling with economic turmoil, what can it possibly offer to the people of PoK? The reality is stark—there is no development, no proper education, electricity remains scarce, and water shortages persist in PoK. The youth of today seek progress, not stagnation. With Kashmir flourishing under Indian governance, the people of PoK will eventually yearn to be part of a stable and progressive nation. The Rising Voice of Youth in PoK and Pakistan The transformation of Kashmir is evident in the increasing number of YouTube channels run by Kashmiri youth showcasing the region’s development. The reading culture has grown, and new startups, businesses, medical colleges, and educational institutions have flourished. A similar awakening is visible among Pakistani youth, who admire India's development and openly express their dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s governance. Many Pakistani youths now run YouTube channels voicing their admiration for India’s growth, questioning Pakistan’s capability to handle PoK when it is already drowning in economic debt. Pakistan’s unemployment rate is soaring, and instability continues to rise. If it cannot manage its own territories effectively, how can it govern PoK? The harsh reality is that Pakistan’s occupation of PoK has only led to further neglect, while Kashmir, under Indian administration, has flourished. India’s Stand on PoK at International Platforms India has consistently raised the PoK issue at international platforms, reinforcing the demand for Pakistan to vacate the illegally occupied territory. During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Goa in 2023, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s firm stance that PoK belongs to India and should be rightfully returned. He made it clear that PoK’s return is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ Jaishankar’s recent remarks in London reiterated this commitment. He emphasized that once PoK is back with India, significant development will follow, bringing prosperity to the region. His words reflect India’s unwavering determination to see the rightful reintegration of PoK. The Road Ahead The people of PoK already recognize that their future lies with India. Their struggles under Pakistani occupation have only made it clearer that aligning with a progressive and stable nation like India is in their best interest. As they witness Kashmir’s development and progress, their aspirations for a better life will inevitably lead them towards India. Jaishankar’s firm response to the Pakistani journalist in London underscores India’s strong and resolute position on PoK. The message is clear—PoK is an inseparable part of India, and history will see its rightful return. The people of PoK should come forward and embrace progress, joining hands with the prosperous and thriving Kashmir, which today stands as a land of development and peace under India’s governance.