Human rights organizations contend that Pakistan's military exerts significant control over political activity and free expression in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, treating organized dissent as a security threat. This influence, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Human Rights (JAAC) and other activists, narrows the scope for political action and reduces elected bodies to a facade, with the security apparatus ultimately dictating the boundaries of discontent.
The region's political landscape is described as a concentrated version of Pakistan's broader political order, where the military maintains tutelary control over national security, foreign policy, and political competition, even under civilian governments. The Pakistan Army's 12th Infantry Division, headquartered in Murree, holds operational command over the area, giving the military a direct role in maintaining security. This pervasive military influence has been a subject of long-standing documentation by human rights observers.
Activists argue that the Kashmiris' demands extend beyond economic grievances, such as lower utility bills or cheaper food, to encompass a fundamental call for respect and representation. The high geopolitical stakes surrounding the Kashmir dispute are cited as a factor that further limits the space for independent political action within the territory.