Pakistan's Home Minister Labels POJK Residents as Terrorists: A Revelation That Sparks Controversy

In a striking development on Monday, Pakistan’s Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi made an inflammatory statement, referring to residents of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) as terrorists. The remark has stirred intense criticism and ignited a broader debate on Pakistan's stance regarding the region.

A Longstanding Contradiction Exposed

For over seven decades, Pakistan has presented itself as a champion of the Kashmiri cause, projecting an image of unwavering support for the region's people on international platforms. However, Naqvi’s assertion appears to contradict this narrative, exposing a stark dissonance. His comments have not only fueled outrage but also subjected him to extensive trolling on social media platforms. Critics have pointed out the irony of his statement, with some highlighting that Naqvi himself does not hold Pakistani citizenship.

One journalist, Imran Riaz, elaborated on the minister’s contentious actions. He alleged that Naqvi had gone so far as to order the excavation of roads to obstruct supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from reaching Islamabad. These supporters, many hailing from POJK, were labeled as terrorists by the minister—a claim that has further fueled resentment in the region.

Mounting Frustration in POJK

This controversy comes against the backdrop of growing dissatisfaction among the people of POJK. Thousands of workers from Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have been marching towards Islamabad in protest, despite heavy security deployment and internet blackouts. PTI has described this movement as a fight to “break the chains of slavery,” reflecting deep-seated grievances against the current regime.

Notably, this is not the first instance of unrest in POJK. In October 2023, residents of the region organized widespread protests, demanding freedom from Pakistan’s administration. Experts attribute this unrest to the Pakistan government’s double standards and the military’s harsh policies. Many residents of POJK have expressed a desire to align with India, a sentiment that has reportedly gained momentum in recent years.

Historical Context of POJK

The region referred to as Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir gained official recognition in Indian discourse in March 2016 when the Indian government began formally using the term "POJK." This move aligned with the ruling BJP’s long-standing vision of an integrated Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ministry of Home Affairs first documented this terminology in its 2014-15 annual report. The report noted cross-LoC trade figures, citing that over 45,000 trucks had traveled from Jammu and Kashmir to POJK by the end of 2015, while nearly 29,000 trucks had entered India via trade routes such as Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot.

A Region in Turmoil

Naqvi’s recent comments, coupled with his actions to suppress dissent, have brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by the residents of POJK. Critics argue that Pakistan’s policies in the region have consistently prioritized political narratives over the well-being of its people. The growing unrest and calls for independence reflect a broader dissatisfaction that may have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan’s domestic and international standing.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan’s leadership will address the grievances of POJK residents or continue to face mounting opposition, both domestically and internationally.