Explanation: Jammu and Kashmir is a region that has been a subject of territorial disputes between India and Pakistan since the partition of British India in 1947. The region is divided into three main parts: the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistani-administered territories of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Chinese-administered region of Aksai Chin.
The division of Jammu and Kashmir is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and geographical factors. After the partition, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was given the option to join either India or Pakistan. The ruler of the state, Maharaja Hari Singh, initially chose to remain independent but later signed an Instrument of Accession to India in 1947, following an invasion by Pakistani tribesmen. This led to the first Indo-Pakistani war, which resulted in the current division of the region.
The Pakistani-administered territories, comprising Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are collectively referred to as Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PAK). These areas are under the control of Pakistan but are not officially recognized as part of Pakistan by the international community. The exact area controlled by Pakistan is approximately one-third of the total area of Jammu and Kashmir.
Azad Kashmir is a region that is governed by a local government under the supervision of Pakistan. It includes the Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions. Gilgit-Baltistan, on the other hand, is a region that was formerly known as the Northern Areas and is now governed by a local government with a governor appointed by Pakistan. This region includes the Gilgit and Baltistan divisions.
The remaining two-thirds of Jammu and Kashmir are under the control of India, comprising the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Indian-administered region includes diverse geographical areas such as the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu region, and the Ladakh region.
It is important to note that the division of Jammu and Kashmir is a highly sensitive and politically charged issue. The territorial disputes have led to several wars and ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The region remains a significant point of contention in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
In summary, Pakistan controls roughly one-third of the total area of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes the regions of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. This division is a result of historical and ongoing territorial disputes and is a complex issue that involves multiple geopolitical factors.