The situation of AJK in 1947: Progress of the past 77 years

Abstract

The paper illustrates the historical status and background of Jammu Kashmir in 1947 and the milestones achieved in Azad Jammu Kashmir development in the past 77 years. The partitioning of British India in 1947 made Jammu and Kashmir a troubled region. The territory of AJK has significantly changed in the past 77 years in terms of politics, economy, and social life. The AJK state is politically independent with its government and legislative house. Its administration has been changing a lot in the region to ensure that the administration is improved to enable the region to have local autonomy. Through the Pakistani investment and foreign aid, AJK has also come up in terms of development of infrastructure, health care and education. Economic growth has been as a result of the construction of large-scale hydroelectric plants and the development of road transportation. However, the regions are yet to handle such challenges as poor industrialization, unemployment, minimal industrialization, and the impact of disasters such as the catastrophic earthquake in 2005. AJK has improved its literacy level and equality among sexes socially as more women have been involved in education and the labor market. Although such gains have been made, the paper indicates that the region still grapple with poverty, lack of access to quality health care, as well as legacies of the continuous war with India and the border India Kashmir problem.