Srinagar: On August 5, 2019, India’s historic decision to abrogate Article 370, which had granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), marked a pivotal moment in the region’s history. Framed by the Indian government as a constitutional move to fully integrate J&K into the Indian Union, the abrogation was upheld by the Supreme Court in December 2023 as a legitimate exercise of sovereignty, with Article 370 deemed a temporary provision. The government argued that this step would usher in peace, development, and stability, countering decades of militancy and separatism allegedly fueled by Pakistan.

In contrast, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), comprising so called Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, remains under Pakistan’s control, characterized by systemic neglect, exploitation, and socio-economic stagnation. This article offers a comparative analysis of the developmental trajectories of J&K and PoJK, focusing on infrastructure, governance, public welfare, and quality of life, while critically examining Pakistan’s role in perpetuating instability and the failure of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Constitutional Clarity and Contested Narratives India’s abrogation of Article 370 was rooted in the argument that the provision, enacted in 1950, was a temporary measure intended to facilitate J&K’s integration into India following the 1947 Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh.

The Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling affirmed that the abrogation did not violate international agreements or UN Charter principles, as it was an internal constitutional matter. The move dismantled J&K’s separate constitution, flag, and restrictive land ownership laws under Article 35A, aligning the region with India’s legal framework. Indian officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah, argued that Article 370 had hindered democracy, fueled corruption, and impeded development, citing its role in enabling separatist sentiments exploited by Pakistan-based terror groups.

Infrastructure: Progress in J&K, Neglect in PoJK
J&K has seen significant infrastructure advancements since 2019. The Srinagar Smart City Project, backed by ₹2,928.04 crore in the 2023-24 budget, has introduced smart roads, improved sanitation, and digital governance, enhancing urban mobility and cleanliness in Srinagar. Projects like the 44.22 km Jammu-Katra stretch of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the four-laning of the Srinagar Ring Road have bolstered connectivity, reducing travel times and boosting trade. Tourism infrastructure has also flourished, with innovations like Uber’s boat-hailing service on Dal Lake and “Bus Boats” on the Jhelum River, contributing to a record 1.08 crore tourist arrivals in 2024. These developments have directly improved urban residents’ quality of life.

In stark contrast, PoJK’s infrastructure remains in a “deteriorated, desolate, and neglected” state. With a population of approximately 6 million across 78+ thousand square miles, PoJK suffers from crippled infrastructure, exacerbated by Pakistan’s economic mismanagement and reliance on foreign aid. The region’s roads, healthcare facilities, and power supply are woefully inadequate, with frequent protests since August 2023 over exorbitant electricity charges and shortages of essentials like flour. While J&K boasts four airports with robust air traffic, PoJK has only two, with air connectivity twelve times lower than J&K’s.

Governance: Integration vs. Proxy Rule
J&K’s governance has undergone a transformative shift post-2019. The reorganization into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh—placed the region under direct central control, aiming to streamline administration and curb militancy. The Supreme Court mandated assembly elections by September 2024, which were held, restoring local representation after years of central rule. The Domicile Law of 2020 granted certificates to over 83,000 people, including marginalized Muslim communities, enabling access to jobs, land ownership, and welfare schemes.

In PoJK, governance is marked by political ambiguity and military dominance. Despite a nominal “Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act, 1974,” PoJK’s elected bodies lack real power, with Islamabad exercising direct control over 32 subjects and requiring approval for 22 others under the 2018 constitutional amendment. Gilgit-Baltistan, comprising 86% of PoJK’s area, remains constitutionally undefined, excluded from Pakistan’s constitutions since 1956. The region’s so called “prime minister” is often absent, spending more time in Islamabad, and political parties face suppression for advocating independence or reunification with India. The Pakistani military and intelligence agencies maintain an oppressive presence, stifling dissent and radicalizing society through jihadist groups. This proxy rule has rendered PoJK’s political structure powerless, fueling public unrest and calls for reunification with India.

Public Welfare: Empowerment in J&K, Deprivation in PoJK
J&K’s public welfare initiatives have gained momentum post-abrogation. The Jammu and Kashmir Startup Policy 2024-27 aims to establish 2,000 startups by 2027, with 837 already registered, including 302 women-led ventures, fostering economic empowerment. Investment proposals worth ₹1.63 lakh crore have been received and generating 63,710 jobs. Agri-Tech startups like Kashmiri Farms have boosted horticulture, with high-density plantations expanding to 18,533.27 hectares by 2024, increasing yields by up to 20%. Educational reforms, including Kashmiri as a compulsory subject and expanded literature courses at Kashmir University, aim to preserve cultural identity while enhancing opportunities. These efforts have improved quality of life. 

In PoJK, public welfare is severely compromised by Pakistan’s exploitation. The region’s economy relies heavily on remittances from the British Mirpuri community and Gulf migrants, with unemployment at a staggering 33%. Pakistan’s discriminatory policies, such as paying PoJK only ₹0.15 per unit for hydropower compared to ₹1.10 for its provinces, highlight systemic neglect. The self-reliant agrarian economy has been disrupted, forcing youth to seek work abroad. Despite a 74% literacy rate and high school enrollment, PoJK lacks adequate educational infrastructure, and basic services like healthcare and electricity are unreliable, contributing to widespread poverty and unrest. Protests in 2024, with slogans like “Hindustan Zindabad,” reflect growing frustration with Pakistan’s governance.

Quality of Life: Stability vs. Unrest
In J&K, quality of life has improved in Valley, driven by tourism (7–15% of GSDP), infrastructure upgrades, and declining militancy.

In PoJK, quality of life is dismal, marked by economic hardship, political suppression, and human rights abuses. The 2024 uprising in Muzaffarabad, sparked by economic grievances but rooted in demands for political freedom, saw violent clashes and anti-Pakistan slogans, with vehicles of security forces burnt and flags removed. The region’s reliance on subsidies and lack of development contrast sharply with J&K’s economic growth.

Pakistan’s Role in Instability and Terrorism
Pakistan’s refusal to foster peace in J&K is evident in its continued support for terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, which operate from PoJK. With local recruitment waning—95% of militants killed in J&K in 2020 were locals, indicating a shift to foreign fighters—Pakistan increasingly relies on external operatives to sustain militancy. PoJK’s role as a terrorism hub, coupled with Pakistan’s non-compliance with UNSC resolutions, undermines peace efforts. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Gilgit-Baltistan, worth over $60 billion, further complicates the dispute, with India objecting to sovereignty violations.

Conclusion: A Stark Contrast
The abrogation of Article 370 has set J&K on a path of development, with significant strides in infrastructure, governance, and public welfare. In contrast, PoJK languishes under Pakistan’s exploitative rule, marked by economic deprivation, political suppression, and social unrest. While J&K navigates a complex transition toward integration and stability, PoJK’s residents face a bleak future, with growing calls for reunification with India reflecting their disillusionment.