Mass protests across Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) have intensified over the past few days, culminating in a harsh crackdown by security forces. According to multiple media reports:
At least 12 civilians have been killed and over 200 injured in clashes following protests against the Pakistani government’s policies.
In addition, three policemen or security personnel have been reported killed, and more police officers were wounded in the clashes.
The protests have spanned multiple districts: Dhirkot (Bagh), Muzaffarabad, Dadyal, and Mirpur have all witnessed fatalities.
Many of the injured are reportedly in a critical condition, and some casualties have been from gunshot wounds.
Protesters also reportedly resorted to stone pelting, street blockades, and damage to government installations; security forces responded with live fire in certain places.
These deaths and injuries mark what critics say is one of the bloodiest crackdowns in the region in recent years. The protests are being led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which demands the implementation of a “Self-Rule Charter” and the granting of fundamental rights to the people of PoK.
In response, Pakistani authorities have reportedly shut down mobile, internet and landline services, imposed curfews in affected areas, and deployed additional military and paramilitary troops to contain the unrest.
The exact triggers remain contested — protestors cite decades of underdevelopment, lack of political autonomy, and usurpation of basic civil rights by Islamabad’s administration. The state response has been characterized by many as heavy-handed and disproportionate.
Major Tourist Attractions in PoK (Pakistan-Administered Kashmir)
Despite its contested status and periodic unrest, PoK houses several notable tourist attractions. Some well-known sites include:
Neelum Valley – Lush green valleys, rivers, and scenic beauty.
Rawalakot – Often called “Pearl Valley,” known for its pleasant weather and hillscapes.
Kutton / Jagran – Waterfalls and riverine settings.
Arang Kel – A hill village accessible by trekking or cable car, known for panoramic views.
Banjosa Lake – A highland lake near Rawalakot.
Shounter Pass / Shounter Lake – Alpine routes connecting to high valleys.
However, due to periodic conflict, travel advisories, and infrastructure constraints, many of these areas see unstable visitor numbers and occasional closures.
Economic and Tourism Comparison: Indian Kashmir vs PoK
Infrastructure, Governance, and Development
Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has benefited from large-scale infrastructure projects, greater integration with the Indian economy, and policy focus on boosting tourism and connectivity.
In contrast, PoK has long lagged behind in development, relying significantly on federal transfers from Islamabad, with weaker industrialization, limited local investment, and underdeveloped markets.
In J&K, some estimates suggest that between 50–60% of the population depends directly or indirectly on tourism or related services.
The Government of India’s “Swadesh Darshan” scheme and other tourism infrastructure programs have poured additional funding into J&K’s circuits of tourism.
Tourism Statistics
Indian Jammu & Kashmir
According to the Economic Survey of J&K for 2024–25, the total number of tourist visits crossed 2.36 crore in the year, including domestic and foreign tourists.
During January–June 2025 alone, J&K saw 95.9 lakh domestic visits and 19,570 foreign tourist visits.
Major attractions include Srinagar (Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens), Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, along with pilgrimage circuits of Amarnath and Vaishno Devi.
In 2024, J&K reportedly crossed the 2.35 crore visitor mark (domestic + foreign) in a recovery from pandemic lows.
PoK / Pakistan-Administered Kashmir
Reliable and up-to-date official data for PoK’s tourism is hard to come by. Many visitor numbers are anecdotal, and security concerns often limit formal promotion.
In recent years, cross-border tensions and travel advisories have severely impacted tourist footfalls in PoK, especially during phases of unrest.
For instance, after a terror attack in Indian Kashmir in 2025, many Pakistani side resorts, especially in Neelum Valley, were shut down as visitors stayed away.
