This book is a remarkable work, beautifully written and deeply revealing. It’s commonly acknowledged that Azad Kashmir is the least comprehended part of the erstwhile princely state. Intrigued by a visit to the Neelum Valley, Pakistani author Anam Zakaria was inspired to create this book through a series of travels, dialogues, and interviews across Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Presenting herself as a curious outsider, Zakaria transcends this role to become an incisive observer marked by significant compassion and bravery, and she remains impartial throughout. Mainly, she gives voice to the residents of Pakistan Kashmir, letting them share their stories directly.
Through her narrative, we hear from those whose stories are often lost in mainstream discussions: the Hindu and Sikh women abducted long ago who live under Muslim names, hidden within the communities of Pakistani and ‘Azad’ Kashmiri cities and villages; the women of the Neelum Valley who desire an end to the struggle, seeing no value in its continuation; pro-independence advocates who claim Pakistan’s oppression matches India’s; a Pakistani military officer admitting the marginalization of the JKLF was an error; and a former chief of army staff discussing the damaging blur between terrorism and freedom fighting in Kashmir.
The book also exposes a broader range of issues. It covers the pan-Kashmiri and pan-Muslim sentiments, the grief of families affected by Indian shelling, and the anger at what is seen as India’s unlawful occupation of the Kashmir Valley. Additionally, it reveals the deep economic and political marginalization felt in areas like Kotli and Mirpur, where the disruption from massive dam projects hasn’t brought the expected benefits. Zakaria quotes an academic expert on the complex identity perceptions in Mirpur, noting the dilemma where “Kashmiris see them as Punjabis and the Punjabis see them as Kashmiris,” alongside observations of increasing Chinese influence marked by numerous signboards in the region.
No matter how well-versed you are in Kashmir’s issues, this book will offer new perspectives and unexpected insights.