Pakistani banks recognize Pakistan-administered Kashmir as part of Pakistan's provinces

In recent days, Pakistan-administered Kashmir has become a prominent topic of discussion on social media, particularly due to certain Pakistani banks issuing checks that include Pakistan-administered Kashmir as part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. Previously, this practice was common among many private companies and services, which listed addresses from various regions of Kashmir alongside different provinces of Pakistan. However, the sudden emergence of banking sector documents has triggered reactions from social media users in Kashmir, who want to voice their opinions given their unique status as residents of this disputed region.

Every individual holds the constitutional, legal, ethical, and social right to preserve their identity and that of their region. This responsibility is particularly crucial for the inhabitants of Kashmir. Asserting one's identity and regional affiliation is a fundamental right that cannot be denied, and no judgments of loyalty or betrayal should be based on it.

The expression of public opinions on public matters is a natural process, especially in a society marked by uncertainty and an unclear vision of the future. Therefore, depriving people of their right to express their stance is unjust.

Now, let's address why branches of various Pakistani banks, including the National Bank of Pakistan and Muslim Commercial Bank, in Kashmir have been associating funds from different regions of Kashmir with the accounts of various provinces of Pakistan. Was this a planned conspiracy to divert attention from the ongoing movement for basic rights in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?

The response on social media to this significant issue largely revolves around the fact that the banking sector compartmentalizes finances based on administrative structures and organizes their records accordingly. Consequently, they maintain their documentation accordingly.

Another question arises here: The National Bank of Pakistan is a national government bank. Shouldn't its administrative framework primarily align with the provincial and administrative divisions of Pakistan for organizational and constitutional purposes?

As for private limited banks, they may not adhere completely to this principle, but to some extent, they do. Nonetheless, concerns persist because we are cautious not only of the complexities surrounding Kashmir but also of the potential schemes of banks. May we be protected from their deceit.

In the past, the phrasing of any government notification from Pakistan used to be evaluated based on a tester, but now the banking sector has taken center stage. Is it conceivable that, under current circumstances, Pakistan could incorporate Pakistan-administered Kashmir as one of its provinces? Well, anything is possible in this country.

Pakistan currently has a caretaker government in place. Amending the Constitution of Pakistan to merge Kashmir into Pakistan is necessary, and two amendments are essential for this:

1. Altering the geographical boundaries of Pakistan (Article 1), and
2. Amending Article 257, which explicitly states that the final decision on Jammu and Kashmir is pending.

Why has there been a recent debate on social media concerning bank checkbooks? Is it the work of powerful forces? Well, my friends, we are a nation with short memories. We often forget our past and frequently deviate from our intended path instead of progressing toward our goals. We have a tendency to wander. That's why, in 76 years, we haven't been able to set a clear direction. Those who went one way are now heading the other way.

In my personal opinion, circumstances are being manipulated in some way or another. The situation in Kashmir, marked by chaos and confusion, doesn't favor any powerful groups. The fundamental fact is that sorrow and anger need a channel. Why not direct it toward issues like "state identity" for Kashmiris? We could consider boycotting essentials like flour, electricity, water, the current movement, and ration cards. But we should act with wisdom and understanding, not impulsively.

If the Pakistani branches of banks in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are inattentive, shouldn't we seize the opportunity? How? According to banking laws, a certain percentage of a bank's earnings from a region must be invested in the development and welfare of that region's people. Instead of fixating on state identity, we should demand transparency from these banks regarding how much of their profits they are reinvesting in Kashmir. Details should be provided, and if they are not, legal action should be taken against these banks, along with a public boycott similar to the boycott of electricity bills. Likewise, close the accounts held in these banks and declare a public boycott of state citizens. With the right approach at the right time, the right decision will be made.