NEW DELHI: US-based independent watchdog
Freedom House has asserted that Jammu & Kashmir enjoys more freedom than
Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (
PoK), contrary to allegations levelled by Imran Khan-led government in Pakistan.
In its recently-released annual report, Freedom in the World 2019, the watchdog said Jammu & Kashmir scored 49 on the 100-point Freedom House Index, while Pakistan scored 39 and PoK a paltry 28.
The report also labelled PoK as “not free” in terms of freedom enjoyed by its residents and the functioning of local institutes.
The US was rated 86 on the index, closely followed by India at 75.
Germany and France scored higher than the US as Freedom House expressed concern over the state of affairs in America. Interestingly, Somaliland scored 43 on the scale and was ahead of Pakistan.