Islamabad: Escalating unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and the reported deaths of protesters have cast renewed doubt on the effectiveness of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) development model, according to a report published by the UK-based newspaper Asian Lite. The report contends that despite billions invested in infrastructure, local communities continue to face political marginalisation and limited economic empowerment.
The report says PoJK has experienced weeks of demonstrations, arrests and administrative restrictions, with violent confrontations reportedly taking place between protesters and security personnel. Casualties have been reported on both sides, although the true scale of the unrest remains difficult to verify due to communications restrictions and the lack of independent access to the region.
According to Asian Lite, the protests are being spearheaded by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), an alliance of transport operators, traders and civil society organisations. Protesters are demanding lower electricity tariffs, relief from rising food prices, reforms to government privileges, a greater share of local resources and stronger political representation.
The report claims that instead of engaging with these demands through dialogue, Pakistani authorities have relied primarily on security measures, a response it says has further intensified public resentment.
The report also argues that PoJK has emerged as a strategically significant component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While Beijing continues to promote CPEC as a flagship initiative for regional connectivity, energy security and economic growth, Asian Lite contends that decision-making remains heavily centralised through the Pakistani government, leaving local communities with little influence over projects that directly affect their lives.
According to the report, infrastructure investment alone cannot guarantee stability if residents are excluded from decisions on resource allocation, governance and development priorities. It argues that the absence of meaningful local participation has contributed to growing dissatisfaction despite the scale of investment.
The report concludes that while Chinese funding and Pakistan’s security-centric approach may temporarily contain unrest, they are unlikely to deliver lasting stability. It says sustainable peace and development will depend on addressing longstanding demands for economic rights, equitable resource sharing and genuine political participation by the people of PoJK.
