Kashmir vital to Pakistan

 

Kashmir vital to Pakistan

Kashmir is extremely important for Pakistan on the basis of historical, geographical, economic, and strategic factors. The following are some of the important factors:

1).Historical & Political Significance;

Kashmir was a princely state in 1947, and as it was predominantly Muslim in population, it was a natural choice for inclusion in Pakistan. Yet its joining India resulted in various wars and disputes.

Pakistan regards Kashmir as an incomplete division of British India and believes in its right of self-determination.

Historical and Political Significance of Kashmir

Kashmir's historical and political value lies deep within the partition of British India in 1947 and the region's territorial dispute between Pakistan and India. Here's a detailed look:

Partition of British India & Kashmir's Accession (1947)

Princely states were free to join India or Pakistan at the time of partition depending on geographical considerations and popular wishes.

Kashmir was predominantly Muslim (approximately 77%) but was controlled by a Hindu Maharaja, Hari Singh.

Pakistan was expecting Kashmir to accede to it on grounds of religious and cultural affinities.

The Accession Crisis

On October 1947, Pakistani tribal warriors entered Kashmir to pressure it towards Pakistan's integration.

Maharaja Hari Singh requested military assistance from India and signed the Instrument of Accession, acceding Kashmir to India.

 Resulted in the First Indo-Pak War (1947-1948) and ultimately the partition of Kashmir into:

O Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)

O Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan

United Nations & the Ceasefire (1949)

The war ended in 1949 with a UN-brokered ceasefire, creating the Line of Control (LoC).

The UN Security Council Resolution 47 called for a plebiscite (referendum) to let the Kashmiri people decide their future, but it was never conducted.

 This unresolved issue led to further conflicts between India and Pakistan.

Wars & Conflicts Over Kashmir

Second Indo-Pak War (1965): Pakistan initiated "Operation Gibraltar" to assist Kashmiri rebels, which resulted in another war. It concluded with the Tashkent Agreement but failed to settle Kashmir.

Third Indo-Pak War (1971): This war mostly resulted in the establishment of Bangladesh, but tensions regarding Kashmir were still very high.

Kargil Conflict (1999): Forces backed by Pakistan took over key positions in Kargil, but India regained them.

Constitutional & Political Changes in Kashmir

Article 370 & 35A (1949-2019): Kashmir enjoyed special status in the Indian Constitution, but India abolished Article 370 in 2019, fully integrating Kashmir into India.

Pakistan was opposed vehemently by Pakistan and resulted in increased tensions.

Pakistan's Position & International Diplomacy

 Pakistan views Kashmir as a disputed region and favors its right to self-determination according to UN resolutions.

Internationalizing the Kashmir issue at global platforms, such as the UN, OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), and diplomatic activities with big powers like China, Turkey, and the U.S.

2).Water Resources

     The Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, which are the principal rivers of Pakistan, have their source in Indian-held Jammu & Kashmir. Water control sources are important for Pakistan's agricultural and hydroelectric power schemes.

The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) regulates water sharing, but tensions persist regarding India's dam projects in Kashmir.

3).Strategic Location

Kashmir is bordered by China, India, and Afghanistan, making it a geopolitically strategic area.

Pakistan's security and relations with regional powers such as China are influenced by control over Kashmir.

 4).Cultural & Religious Ties

Much of Kashmir's population is Muslim, and Pakistan identifies itself as a champion of Kashmiri Muslims.

The Kashmir conflict is very much linked to Pakistan's national identity and ideology.

5).Defense & Security Concerns

 Indian occupation of Kashmir enables military pressure along Pakistan's borders, especially in areas such as Siachen.

Pakistan is concerned that India might use its location in Kashmir to cut off Pakistan's water supply or present a direct security threat.

 Diplomatic & Internal Stability

The Kashmir dispute affects Pakistan's foreign policy, particularly with India, China, the U.S., and the Muslim world.

Locally, the Kashmir movement brings together various political and religious parties in Pakistan.

Outcome

Kashmir is crucial for Pakistan's national security, economy, and access to water. The dispute is at the heart of Pakistan-India relations, with attempts at a peaceful solution ongoing through diplomatic and military efforts