India’s Kashmir vs PoK 2025: Development Comparison, Facts, Figures, and Ground Reality

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by

Himanshu
in

The region of Jammu and Kashmir has always remained a center of global attention due to its strategic importance and natural beauty. While India has made massive strides in terms of development in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the same cannot be said for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which continues to lag far behind. In 2025, the difference between the two regions has become even more evident in terms of infrastructure, healthcare, education, economy, and tourism.

This article provides a comprehensive comparison between development in Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with figures, facts, and tables for clarity.

Key Developmental Indicators: India’s Kashmir vs PoK

ParameterJammu & Kashmir (India)Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
Population (2025 est.)1.36 crore45 lakh
Literacy Rate73% (above national avg. in some districts)62%
Healthcare Infrastructure3 new AIIMS-like institutes, 2 AIIMS campuses, 7 new medical collegesLimited district hospitals, lack of tertiary care
Road Connectivity90% villages connected under PMGSY, 4 major national highwaysLess than 50% rural connectivity, poor road conditions
Tourism2.1 crore tourists in 2024 (record high)Less than 10 lakh tourists annually
Power Supply24×7 power in urban areas, hydropower projects 20,000 MW capacityFrequent load-shedding, only ~3,500 MW installed capacity
Digital Connectivity5G launched in Srinagar and Jammu, 95% villages covered by 4GLimited internet, frequent shutdowns
Employment SchemesOver 5.5 lakh youth employed under skill missions since 2019High unemployment (est. 28%)
Security & StabilityDecline of militancy incidents by over 70% since 2019Frequent protests against Pakistani administration

Infrastructure Development in Jammu & Kashmir

  1. Road & Tunnel Projects
    • The Chenani-Nashri Tunnel and Zojila Tunnel have reduced travel time drastically.
    • In 2024, the Indian government completed over 12,000 km of rural roads under PMGSY in J&K.
    • The Banihal-Qazigund tunnel shortened Jammu-Srinagar travel by 16 km.
  2. Railway Expansion
    • The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is nearing completion, connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.
    • By 2025, nearly 98% of the rail line is completed, making it one of the most ambitious projects in Himalayan terrain.
  3. Air Connectivity
    • Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh airports are being expanded into international hubs.
    • Direct flights now connect Srinagar to Sharjah, Dubai, and other destinations.

Healthcare Advancements

  • AIIMS Projects: New AIIMS-like institutions are being set up in Awantipora and Samba.
  • Medical Colleges: At least 7 new medical colleges have opened between 2019–2024.
  • Ayushman Bharat Coverage: Over 1.2 crore people in J&K covered under Ayushman Bharat for free healthcare.
  • Doctor-to-patient ratio in J&K has improved to 1:1,100, while in PoK it is estimated at 1:3,500.

In comparison, PoK’s healthcare remains underfunded. Many patients travel to Rawalpindi or Islamabad for serious treatments.

Education & Literacy

  • J&K boasts 2 central universities, 9 state universities, 15 engineering colleges, and more than 1,500 higher secondary schools.
  • Literacy rate in Srinagar District stands at 77%, much higher than PoK’s average.
  • The Kashmir Skill Development Mission trained more than 2.8 lakh youth between 2019 and 2024.

PoK, however, struggles with limited universities and poorly funded schools, with many regions lacking basic infrastructure.

Tourism Boom in Indian Kashmir

Tourism has been the backbone of J&K’s economy.

  • In 2024, 2.1 crore tourists visited Jammu & Kashmir, the highest in its history.
  • Gulmarg hosted over 18 lakh skiers and winter sports enthusiasts.
  • Vaishno Devi shrine saw 1.2 crore pilgrims in 2024.
  • Srinagar hosted the G20 tourism summit in 2023, projecting J&K on the global map.

In contrast, PoK’s tourism remains untapped. Despite natural beauty in areas like Neelum Valley, lack of infrastructure, poor law and order, and absence of global recognition keep numbers low.

Digital & IT Growth

  • 5G Connectivity: Srinagar, Jammu, and Anantnag are now covered under India’s 5G rollout.
  • Startup Push: More than 400 startups registered in J&K in fields like handicrafts, IT, and tourism.
  • Digital literacy programs cover nearly 90% of rural households.

Meanwhile, PoK has minimal IT development, with frequent internet restrictions and lack of investment in digital infrastructure.

Employment & Economy

  • Post-2019, over ₹60,000 crore worth of investments have been announced in J&K across manufacturing, tourism, and IT.
  • 5.5 lakh youth employed through skill and job schemes.
  • J&K’s GDP growth in 2024 stood at 8.2%, above the national average.

In PoK, unemployment is estimated at 28%, with minimal industrial presence. Economy relies heavily on remittances from abroad.

Security and Social Development

  • Incidents of terrorism in J&K have reduced by 70% since 2019, according to official figures.
  • Cross-border infiltration attempts have drastically dropped due to strict border monitoring.
  • Social development projects like smart cities in Srinagar and Jammu, women empowerment schemes, and youth development missions are flourishing.

On the other hand, PoK faces frequent protests against Pakistani administration. In 2025, reports highlight citizen unrest due to inflation, unemployment, and lack of governance.

Facts & Figures Snapshot

  • Electricity Consumption: J&K – 1,200 kWh per capita (2024), PoK – approx. 400 kWh.
  • Per Capita Income: J&K – ₹1.35 lakh (2024), PoK – ₹40,000 approx.
  • Tourist Inflow: J&K – 2.1 crore (2024), PoK – under 10 lakh.
  • Internet Penetration: J&K – 95%, PoK – less than 55%.
  • Life Expectancy: J&K – 72 years, PoK – 67 years.

Why Kashmir in India is Ahead of PoK

  1. Strong Governance & Investments
    • Indian government has consistently invested in infrastructure and social welfare in J&K.
  2. Tourism and Global Recognition
    • Hosting of G20 summit in Srinagar gave J&K global recognition, which PoK lacks.
  3. Healthcare and Education Growth
    • AIIMS and universities boost the health and education sectors in J&K.
  4. Connectivity and Digital Revolution
    • J&K enjoys world-class highways, tunnels, and digital connectivity.
  5. Peace and Stability
    • Decline in terrorism has attracted both tourists and investors.

Conclusion

By 2025, the development gap between Jammu & Kashmir under India and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has widened significantly. While J&K is witnessing rapid progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, and digital innovation, PoK continues to suffer from poor governance, lack of investment, and political unrest.

The difference is now visible not just in statistics but also in the everyday life of people on both sides of the border. Kashmir in India is marching ahead on the path of growth and prosperity, while PoK struggles with stagnation.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and analytical purposes only. The facts, data, and figures are based on available reports, estimates, and government releases. Readers are encouraged to cross-check from multiple official sources for exact details. This is not intended as a political statement but purely a developmental comparison.