The region known as Pakistan Illegally-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PIOJK), often referred to as Azad Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan, has been a hotbed of political and military tensions between India and Pakistan since the partition of British India in 1947. This area, rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty, has become emblematic of the longstanding conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. However, recent shifts in the political landscape and public sentiment within PIOJK suggest a growing desire among its residents to integrate with India rather than remain under Pakistan’s control. This article explores the historical context, the evolving political dynamics, and the current sentiments that underpin this growing aspiration. To understand the contemporary desire of PIOJK to merge with India, it is essential to revisit the historical events that led to its current status. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, under Maharaja Hari Singh, was caught in a dilemma during the partition of British India. The Maharaja, a Hindu ruler of a predominantly Muslim population, initially chose to remain independent. However, an invasion by tribal militias supported by Pakistan in October 1947 forced Hari Singh to seek military assistance from India. In return, he signed the Instrument of Accession, a legal document that allowed Jammu and Kashmir to accede to India, subject to certain conditions. Despite this accession, Pakistan refused to recognise it and continued to claim the region as its own. This led to the first Indo-Pak war in 1947-48, which resulted in the establishment of the Line of Control effectively dividing Jammu and Kashmir into two parts-one administered by India and the other by Pakistan. The area administered by Pakistan is what we refer to as PIOJK. Since Pakistan's occupation, PIOJK has been administered as a semi-autonomous region with its own president and legislative assembly. However, the area has largely remained under the control of the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies. Despite being referred to as "Azad" (meaning free) Jammu and Kashmir, the region has seen little of the autonomy or freedom that its name suggests. Over the years, the people of PIOJK have suffered from political marginalisation, economic neglect, and human rights abuses. The region's infrastructure remains underdeveloped, and basic amenities like healthcare, education, and employment opportunities are severely lacking. Moreover, any political dissent or demands for greater autonomy are often met with harsh repression by the Pakistani state.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the sentiments of the people living in PIOJK. Disillusioned with Pakistan's broken promises and oppressive policies, many in the region have begun to voice their desire for integration with India. Several factors have contributed to this change in sentiment. First and foremost is the realisation that Pakistan's control over PIOJK has done little to improve the lives of its residents. The lack of economic development and rampant corruption have led to widespread poverty and unemployment. In contrast, many in PIOJK have observed the relative progress and development in the neighbouring regions of Jammu and Kashmir under the Indian administration. India's infrastructure, education and healthcare investments have significantly improved the quality of life in these areas, making joining India more appealing to the people of PIOJK. Another significant factor is the growing sense of cultural and religious alienation within PIOJK. The Pakistani state has increasingly imposed a radical Islamist agenda in the region, often at odds with the more moderate and Sufi-oriented practices of the local population. This has led to a cultural disconnect, with many residents feeling that their identity is being eroded under Pakistan's rule. In contrast, India's secular and pluralistic approach to governance resonates more with the region's diverse cultural and religious fabric.
A Significant part of CPEC passes through Gilgit-Baltistan, which India claims as part of the former princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. India opposes this route as it runs through territory it considers legally occupied by Pakistan. CPEC’s route through PIOJK has increased Chinese & Military presence in the region. India sees this as an encroachment and a strategic threat along the Line of Control and the India-China border. In PIOJK, there are mixed reactions, where the majority are concerned about environmental degradation and lack of involvement in decision-making. The international community has largely viewed the Kashmir issue through the lens of Indo-Pak relations, often ignoring the aspirations of the people living in PIOJK. However, there is a growing recognition that any lasting solution to the Kashmir conflict must consider all its inhabitants' wishes. The desire of the people of PIOJK to join India strengthens the longstanding narrative and India’s legal perspective on PIOJK. India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir, including PIOJK, is an integral part of its territory through a legal Accession Document signed by the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir due to illegal occupation by Pakistan-sponsored raiders and marauders. The Indian government has also expressed its willingness to welcome the people of PIOJK if they choose to join India. However, for this to happen, the international community must make a concerted effort to pressure Pakistan to respect the people's wishes of PIOJK and allow for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The growing desire of the people of PIOJK to join India is a testament to the failures of Pakistan's administration and the appeal of India's democratic and pluralistic model. While the road to unification may be fraught with challenges, the people's aspirations of PIOJK must be addressed. As the region continues to grapple with the legacies of colonialism, partition, and conflict, it is essential to prioritise the voices of those most affected by these historical forces. Integrating PIOJK into India could pave the way for the entire region's peaceful and prosperous future, ending decades of strife and suffering.