Navigating Water (In)Security in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK)

This research explores the multifaceted dynamics of water (in)security in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), examining the region as a vector of broader transboundary hydro-politics between India and Pakistan. The study begins by outlining the current state of water infrastructure and governance within POJK, highlighting key issues such as water scarcity, environmental degradation, and socio-political marginalization in access to water. It then transitions into a critical analysis of transboundary water management between India and Pakistan under the auspices of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), emphasizing how the unique geopolitical ambiguity of POJK complicates cooperative water governance. The paper contends that POJK’s water scarcity is both a humanitarian concern and a flashpoint for regional instability, warranting more inclusive, transparent, and robust green political governance frameworks. By bridging localized realities with transboundary water cooperation, this study offers a structured interpretive analysis of how water (in)security in POJK reverberates beyond its borders, informing the need for a deep ecological approach.