The region commonly called “PoK” stands for “Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” a term used by India. Pakistan usually refers to the same region as “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” (AJK). The area is one of the most disputed territories in the world and remains at the center of the long-running Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan.
Today, Pakistan administers the territory, but India claims it as part of the larger former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Because of this, both countries have very different positions on the issue.
What Is PoK?
PoK generally refers to the parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir that came under Pakistani control after the first India-Pakistan war in 1947–48.
The region mainly includes:
- Azad Kashmir
- Gilgit-Baltistan
These areas are currently governed by Pakistan through separate administrative systems.
Historical Background
To understand the dispute, it is important to look at the events surrounding the partition of British India in 1947.
The Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir
Before independence, Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh.
At partition, princely states were allowed to join either India or Pakistan.
Initially, the Maharaja delayed making a decision.
The 1947 Conflict
In October 1947, tribal fighters from Pakistan’s side entered Kashmir, leading to conflict in the region.
The Maharaja then signed the Instrument of Accession to India, officially agreeing to join India in exchange for military assistance.
India considers this accession legal and final under international law.
After accession:
- Indian troops entered Kashmir
- War broke out between India and Pakistan
The fighting continued until a UN-mediated ceasefire in 1949.
Division of Kashmir
After the ceasefire, Kashmir became divided by a ceasefire line, later known as the Line of Control (LoC).
Areas Under Indian Administration
India controls:
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Ladakh
Areas Under Pakistani Administration
Pakistan controls:
- Azad Kashmir
- Gilgit-Baltistan
This Pakistani-administered area is what India commonly calls “Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” or PoK.
India’s Position
India officially considers the entire former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, as an integral part of India.
India argues that:
- The Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh legally made all of Jammu and Kashmir part of India
- Pakistan’s control over PoK resulted from military occupation during the 1947 conflict
Indian maps officially show PoK as part of Indian territory.
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan rejects India’s claim and argues that:
- Kashmir’s Muslim-majority population should have had the right to determine its future
- The accession to India remains disputed
- Pakistan administers the region with local governance structures
Pakistan refers to part of the area as “Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” meaning “Free Kashmir.”
The United Nations and Kashmir
The United Nations became involved after the first war.
The UN passed resolutions calling for:
- Ceasefire
- Withdrawal of forces
- A possible plebiscite under certain conditions
However, disagreements over implementation prevented the plebiscite from taking place.
The dispute remains unresolved internationally.
Strategic Importance of PoK
The region is strategically important because of:
- Himalayan geography
- Water resources and rivers
- Borders with China, India, and Pakistan
- Military significance
China Factor
Part of the broader Kashmir region also borders China.
Pakistan and China cooperate closely in areas such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Gilgit-Baltistan.
India objects to projects in the region because it claims the territory.
Wars and Ongoing Tensions
India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars related partly or fully to Kashmir:
- 1947–48 war
- 1965 war
- 1999 Kargil conflict
The Line of Control remains heavily militarized today.
Cross-border firing, political tensions, and diplomatic disputes continue periodically.
Current Reality
Who Controls PoK Today?
Pakistan currently administers the territory.
It has:
- Local administrative systems
- Infrastructure and governance institutions
- Separate regional arrangements for Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan
Who Claims It?
India continues to officially claim the entire region as part of India.
So the situation is:
- Pakistan controls it administratively
- India claims it legally and constitutionally
Final Answer
So, PoK is currently administered by Pakistan, but India claims it as part of its territory. The dispute began after the partition of British India and the 1947 Kashmir conflict. Today, the region remains one of the most sensitive and unresolved geopolitical issues in South Asia, with both India and Pakistan maintaining competing claims over Kashmir.
