Pakistan’s ‘Self-Determination Day’ And The Record Behind It – OpEd

Every year on 5 January, Pakistan marks what it calls “Right to Self-Determination Day” for Jammu and Kashmir. On this day, Pakistan repeats its claim that India is illegally controlling the region and denying its people their rights. Official statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan typically refer to United Nations resolutions passed in 1948 and 1949, accusing India of violating international law. 

Pakistan's statement went on to say that international law recognises the right to self-determination as a cornerstone principle enshrined in the UN Charter." It added that the people of IIOJK have however been denied this right by India for over seven decades, adding that the "illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir by India stands as a stark tragedy of our times, as the people of IIOJK continue to endure systematic repression, widespread human rights violations, and denial of their fundamental rights and dignity."

These claims have been repeated for many years. They have not changed. But the history of the Kashmir issue is more complicated than Pakistan’s statements suggest.

The United Nations became involved in Kashmir in 1948 after armed tribal fighters backed by Pakistan entered the region following Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India. The UN Security Council resolutions passed at the time were meant to stop the fighting. Any mention of a plebiscite was linked to specific conditions. The first condition was that Pakistan withdraw all its forces and irregular fighters from the areas it had taken control of.

That withdrawal did not happen.

Later UN discussions talked about reducing forces on both sides but they did not set deadlines or take away sovereignty from either country. Over time, the UN accepted that the issue would need to be resolved directly between the two neighbours. This approach was reflected in the Simla Agreement signed by both countries in 1972. Despite this, Pakistan continues to refer to early UN resolutions without mentioning the conditions attached to them or the later agreements that both sides accepted.

Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit-Baltistan

Pakistan’s statements also avoid discussion of the areas it controls. In Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit Baltistan, the real decision-making power lies with the federal government in Islamabad. Local authorities have limited powers. Political groups that support independence rather than joining Pakistan face restrictions. Media freedom is limited, and constitutional arrangements restrict self-rule.

Gilgit-Baltistan has an even weaker status. It is administered and taxed by Pakistan and is important for strategic reasons, but its people do not have full representation in Pakistan’s parliament. Decisions about land and resources are taken far from the region.

These issues are rarely mentioned when Pakistan speaks about rights and self-determination at international forums.

Pakistan often describes violence in Jammu and Kashmir as an internal movement. This ignores the role of organised militant groups that have operated across the Line of Control since the early 1990s. These groups have contributed to long periods of violence. Civilians have suffered most. Lives have been lost, businesses affected, and daily life disrupted. Groups that use violence, attack civilians and silence opposing voices cannot be described as democratic movements.

India’s administration of Jammu and Kashmir has also faced criticism. Allegations against security forces have been raised and are discussed in courts, the media, and public debate--as is the norm in a democratic setup.

At the same time, changes since 2019 have affected day-to-day life in the region and investment in roads, railways, electricity, healthcare, and education has increased. Travel and trade links have improved. Tourism has grown and created jobs. Welfare schemes now reach more people. Direct benefit transfers have expanded access to government support. Legal changes have strengthened property rights for women and disadvantaged groups. Local elections have been held.

Similar progress is not seen in Pakistan-administered areas, where development is slower and local control is limited.

There is also a clear contradiction in Pakistan’s position. It calls for international involvement in Kashmir but resists scrutiny of its own governance. It raises human rights concerns about India while limiting political freedoms in areas it controls. It criticises militarisation but continues to rely on armed groups that support its interests.

Jammu and Kashmir is part of the Republic of India. It has constitutional status, elected representatives, and functioning political institutions. Elections and local governance continue. Since 2019, voter turnout, economic activity, and tourism figures suggest that many people want stability and better livelihoods. Many residents focus on education, jobs and development rather than the ongoing conflict. Their aspirations are unmistakably Indian in character, grounded in stability rather than instability, and focused on futures rather than festering grievances.

Narratives coming from across the Line of Control that glorify violence or present Kashmir only as a place of grievance do not reflect these priorities. They add to instability instead of addressing everyday concerns.

Kashmiris vote, look for work, demand public services, and use democratic institutions to raise issues. These actions show that people are making choices about their future.

Pakistan’s annual observance of “self-determination” relies on a selective reading of history and shifts attention away from unresolved problems in the territories it controls. Self-determination is not shown through yearly statements. It is seen in how people live their lives and take part in public life.

History will continue to be debated. Everyday realities are clearer. Those realities should guide how Jammu and Kashmir is understood today.