These questions have haunted the Kashmiri people for 75 years. In 1948, the UN passed Resolution 47, granting Kashmiris the right to decide their own future through a plebiscite. Yet, decades later, this promise remains unfulfilled.

This article delves into the UN resolutions, the reasons behind their failure, the role of global politics, and the struggles of the Kashmiri people.

Historical Background

1947: Partition and the Kashmir Dispute

When India was partitioned in 1947, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir found itself at a crossroads. Maharaja Hari Singh acceded to India, triggering the first Indo-Pak war.

This led to Pakistan and India taking the Kashmir issue to the United Nations, resulting in the adoption of UN Resolution 47 on January 5, 1949, which called for:

1. Ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
2. Withdrawal of troops from both sides.
3. A plebiscite allowing Kashmiris to determine their own future.

This resolution offered hope, but that hope quickly faded.

Why Did the Promises Remain Unfulfilled?

1. Disagreements Between India and Pakistan

• India insisted that Pakistan withdraw its forces first.
• Pakistan argued that the process should be simultaneous.
• This deadlock persisted, preventing implementation.

2. Global Powers and Their Interests

• The Cold War had begun, with the U.S. and USSR focused on their own strategic battles.
• Kashmir was not a priority for the global superpowers at the time.

3. The UN’s Lack of Action

• In regions like East Timor and Palestine, the UN took rapid action.
• In Kashmir, the UN’s commitment remained on paper.

The Cost Paid by the Kashmiri People

Who has suffered the most from this unresolved conflict?

✅ Over 70,000 Kashmiris have lost their lives.

✅ Hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

✅ Kashmir remains one of the most militarized zones in the world.

This is no longer just a territorial dispute—it is a humanitarian crisis.

Do UN Resolutions Still Matter Today?

• The world has changed.
• New geopolitical realities have emerged.
• Yet, the Kashmir issue remains frozen in time.

The question is: Does the UN still have the power to act, or have its resolutions become meaningless documents?

Conclusion: When Will Justice Be Served?

The Kashmir conflict is not just a dispute between India and Pakistan—it is an international human rights issue.

Will the UN reclaim its credibility?

Will Kashmiris ever get to decide their own future?

Or is this a conflict with no resolution in sight?

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments. Your voice might shape the conversation and bring new perspectives to this ongoing crisis!

However, a critical question remains: Is this development at an environmental and social cost? Let’s dive into the details.

1. Mangla Dam: The Foundation of AJK’s Development

The Mangla Dam, built on the Jhelum River in 1967, is one of Pakistan’s most significant energy infrastructure projects.

• Generates 1,150 MW of electricity, producing around 5,000 GWh annually.
• Supports agriculture and flood control, in addition to power generation.

However, the construction of Mangla Dam displaced around 110,000 people, many of whom migrated to the UK. Even today, many affected families await full compensation.

With storage capacity decreasing, the rehabilitation of Mangla Dam is underway. While this project remains vital for Pakistan, the real question is: Have we learned from past mistakes?

2. Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project: An Environmental Challenge

Located near Muzaffarabad, the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project was completed in 2018, generating 969 MW of electricity and providing 5,150 GWh annually.

While this project is an engineering success, it has raised serious environmental and social concerns:

• Reducing the Neelum River’s flow has impacted agriculture and the local ecosystem.
• Water shortages have affected communities in Muzaffarabad.
• Local communities claim their concerns were ignored, and compensation was inadequate.

Though the project is a technical triumph, should more attention have been paid to environmental impacts?

3. Karot Hydropower Project: A Success Story

The Karot Hydropower Project, located on the Jhelum River between Punjab and AJK, is another significant milestone.

• Generates 720 MW of electricity.
• Became operational in 2022, supplying power to nearly 5 million people.

Built under CPEC, this project is a vital addition to Pakistan’s power generation.

4. Azad Pattan Hydropower Project: The Future in Progress

Located on the Jhelum River in Sudhnoti district, the Azad Pattan Hydropower Project is still under construction.

• Expected to generate 700.7 MW of power.
• Scheduled for completion by 2026.
• Part of CPEC, it will contribute significantly to Pakistan’s energy production.

5. Pakistan vs. India: A Hydropower Comparison

When comparing India and Pakistan’s hydropower strategies, key differences emerge:

• India’s total hydropower capacity exceeds 46,000 MW, with many small-scale, eco-friendly projects.
• Pakistan relies on large dams like Mangla and Tarbela but struggles with siltation and delays.

India prioritizes small, sustainable projects, whereas Pakistan focuses on large-scale initiatives. Should Pakistan rethink its approach to align with modern, environmentally friendly solutions?

6. Public Opinion: Local, National, and International Perspectives

Public opinions on AJK’s hydropower projects vary:

• Local perspective:

“Changes in river flow have disrupted agriculture and water availability.”

• National perspective:

“Experts see these projects as vital for Pakistan’s economy, but environmental concerns must not be ignored.”

• International perspective:

“There are debates over Chinese investment, with concerns about whether these projects benefit Pakistan or China more.”

Conclusion: The Path Forward

AJK holds immense potential for Pakistan’s energy future, but development comes with environmental and social challenges.

The critical question remains:

Can we balance progress with environmental sustainability and social responsibility?

The future of AJK’s hydropower sector depends on our choices today.

For comments and suggestions, please give them in the section.