UKPNP Raises Concern Over Lack of Infrastructure, Internet Services in PoJK, PoGB
London, November 11: The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has issued a strong statement regarding the significant lack of essential infrastructure, which includes the restriction on freedom of speech, inadequate internet connectivity, and limited media access in the regions of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB).
The UKPNP has underscored the failure of the Pakistan government to provide necessary services, despite the local population’s financial contributions through taxes and remittances that strengthen Pakistan’s economy annually. Yet, the citizens of these territories continue to face basic human right deficiencies and underdevelopment challenges.
Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan, a central spokesperson for the UKPNP, has highlighted the ongoing neglect, as the residents of these regions persistently encounter hardships due to denied basic human rights. He criticized the decrepit state of infrastructure, notably the poorly maintained road networks, which have been a cause of numerous accidents and loss of lives.
Khan pointed out that the widespread corruption and politicization in the distribution of development projects contribute significantly to the lack of professionalism in the education and healthcare systems, thus worsening the current conditions in these regions.
Particularly frustrating to Khan is the poor state of internet services. Despite the introduction of 2G mobile services in 2005, which came about due to intense pressure from international stakeholders, the region still suffers from slow internet speeds when compared to other areas of Pakistan. These issues are compounded by government-imposed “internet firewalls,” which further decrease speeds and hinder access to critical information, thereby complicating communication.
The absence of efficient mobile and internet services was starkly apparent during the 2005 earthquake, where lack of proper connectivity hindered rescue operations as international teams faced challenges in reaching the affected individuals promptly and effectively.
In light of these issues, UKPNP has urged the Pakistan government to modernize the infrastructure of the region, calling for the introduction of high-speed internet services and the adoption of 5G mobile technology. These improvements are deemed crucial to enhancing the living conditions of the inhabitants of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
