If you look at a map of AJK’s natural endowments, you see a region that should be prosperous. Mountain rivers with enormous hydroelectric potential. Tourism assets — the Neelum Valley, Ratti Gali, Sharda — that could attract visitors from across the world. A diaspora in the UK and elsewhere that sends substantial remittances home. And yet, by most development indicators, AJK lags significantly behind comparable Pakistani regions.
Infrastructure Gaps
Large parts of AJK remain without reliable road connections, consistent electricity supply, or modern healthcare facilities. Many communities are still waiting for the development promised after the 2005 earthquake.
The Structural Problem
Without representation in Pakistan’s parliament, AJK has limited political leverage to demand its fair share of development budgets. Without constitutional clarity, long-term investment is hampered. Without accountability to the people of AJK, federal officials have little incentive to prioritise their development.
Economic justice for AJK is not charity — it is a right. Kashmeeriyat stands for the right of AJK’s people to the development, representation, and dignity they have been promised and denied for decades.