The 'Azad' Myth: How Islamabad Created The Illusion Of Autonomy In Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Last Updated:June 11, 2026, 15:01 IST

If Pakistan formally absorbs PoK as one of its provinces, it risks undermining its long-standing claim that Kashmir is a disputed territory awaiting a final settlement

The violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have given rise to a crucial question—if Pakistan controls the territory, why does it have its own prime minister, President, Assembly, Constitution and even a separate flag? Recent unrest has also revived the debate over whether these institutions represent genuine autonomy or merely a political arrangement designed to support Pakistan’s position on Kashmir.

From India’s perspective, the answer lies in the history of Pakistan’s occupation of a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir after the 1947-48 war. New Delhi maintains that the entire region legally acceded to India in 1947 and that Pakistan continues to occupy parts of it illegally.

Why Doesn’t Pakistan Simply Make PoK A Province?

One reason is diplomatic.

If Pakistan formally absorbs PoK as one of its provinces, it risks undermining its long-standing claim that Kashmir is a disputed territory awaiting a final settlement. Instead, Islamabad has historically projected PoK as a supposedly self-governing entity called “Azad Jammu and Kashmir" while retaining significant control over its affairs.

This arrangement allows Pakistan to argue internationally that the region enjoys a degree of self-rule rather than being directly administered from Islamabad.

Why Does PoK Have Its Own Prime Minister And President?

PoK operates under the 1974 Interim Constitution Act, which created institutions resembling those of a sovereign entity: a Prime Minister, President, Legislative Assembly and judiciary.

However, critics and rights groups have long argued that these institutions function within limits defined by Pakistan. Human Rights Watch noted that despite having structures associated with self-government, Islamabad retains extensive powers over the territory. Under provisions of the constitutional framework, Pakistan can dismiss elected governments in PoK.

India has frequently cited such provisions as evidence that PoK’s autonomy exists largely on paper.

The Kashmir Council

For decades, one of the most powerful institutions governing PoK was the Kashmir Council, headed by Pakistan’s prime minister.

The council exercised significant authority over legislation, administration and finances, reinforcing Islamabad’s influence over the territory despite the presence of local political institutions. Analysts have often pointed to this arrangement as evidence that ultimate authority rested in Pakistan rather than Muzaffarabad.

Can PoK Leaders Advocate Independence?

This is where critics say the “Azad" narrative runs into contradiction.

Political parties and candidates in PoK are required to support the territory’s eventual accession to Pakistan. Constitutional provisions restrict political activity deemed contrary to that objective. Critics argue that this effectively rules out genuine debate on independence or alternative political futures.

Indian commentators have long argued that if self-determination were truly the goal, all political viewpoints would be permitted rather than only those aligned with accession to Pakistan.

India’s Position

India’s official position remains unchanged: Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is an integral part of India under illegal occupation by Pakistan.

Successive Indian governments have argued that the institutions created in PoK, including its prime minister, President, flag and constitution, do not alter the territory’s legal status. Instead, New Delhi views them as mechanisms that help Pakistan sustain its narrative on Kashmir while retaining effective control over the region.

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