Mapping Kashmir

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), commonly known as Azad Kashmir, is a self-governing region under Pakistan’s administration, forming part of the larger Kashmir territory, which has been at the center of political and territorial disputes between India and Pakistan since 1947. The region shares borders with Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Historically, Kashmir was a significant cultural and trade center influenced by Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions. It was ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Kushans, and Mughals, before coming under the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. In 1846, following the First Anglo-Sikh War, the British sold Kashmir to Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu under the Treaty of Amritsar, establishing the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. At the time of India’s partition in 1947, princely states were given the choice to join India or Pakistan, or remain independent. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, initially sought independence but later signed the Instrument of Accession with India in October 1947 after facing an armed uprising in Poonch and a tribal invasion from Pakistan. This led to the First Indo-Pak War (1947–1948), resulting in the division of Kashmir. The war ended with a United Nations-brokered ceasefire in 1949, establishing the Line of Control (LoC), with Pakistan administering Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and India retaining control over Jammu and Kashmir.

Azad Kashmir was declared a self-governing entity under Pakistani administration on October 24, 1947. It has its own government, president, prime minister, and legislative assembly, but its defense, foreign policy, and currency are managed by Pakistan. While politically distinct, Azad Kashmir remains closely linked to Pakistan through economic and infrastructural projects. Over the decades, the region has undergone significant political and economic changes, with Pakistan investing in education, infrastructure, and hydropower projects. One of the most significant developments was the construction of the Mangla Dam in the 1960s, which provided crucial hydroelectric power but also led to large-scale displacement and migration of Kashmiris, particularly to the United Kingdom. Politically, AJK remains semi-autonomous, though its constitutional status within Pakistan has been a subject of debate. While the people of Azad Kashmir enjoy certain rights and freedoms, there have been calls for greater political autonomy and representation in decision-making processes that affect the region.

The Kashmir conflict remains one of the most complex territorial disputes in the world, with Pakistan advocating for a United Nations-mandated plebiscite to determine the region’s fate, while India asserts Kashmir as an integral part of its territory. The LoC continues to be a heavily militarized border, with periodic skirmishes between Indian and Pakistani forces. Despite ongoing tensions, Azad Kashmir has seen economic growth, with tourism, remittances from the Kashmiri diaspora, and investments from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) contributing to development. The region remains a significant part of the larger Kashmir conflict, deeply tied to historical struggles, political negotiations, and the aspirations of its people. While it has achieved a degree of self-governance, its future remains linked to broader geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.