Gilgit-Baltistan formerly known as the “Northern areas of Pakistan” is governed by Pakistan since 1947. Despite of being geo-strategically significant point it seems to be the hub of social and governing problems with diminished public rights.
Though, the history of this land seems exotic but it seems appealing. As, Since after the Anglo-Sikh war of 1845 the Amritsar agreement took place where its decided that the government affairs of whole Kashmir would be under control of Gulab Singh (head of Kashmir) while the military would be controlled by British itself. Note that this time the whole northern area was part of Kashmir. The British rule continues till the partition of subcontinent. After the communal award and demarcation of boundaries between east and west Punjab many princely states were came into being including Kashmir and Gilgit. On 1948 the brave GB scouts with Captain Mirza Hassan stood and fought against the Dogra rule and defeated the Gansara Singh the governor of Hari Singh. Thus, on 1st November, 1948 GB get its independence.
Amidst to being the disputed land there has been a lot of political upheavals and encroachment acts as, on 28april, 1949 the government of Pakistan and Jammu Kashmir did an agreement through which GB was given to Pakistan without its consent and representation known asKarachi agreement. Indeed the rule was to decide according to plebiscite. The abolishment of state subject rule 1974 is another example of it. Finally the GB gains the de facto province like status without constitutional representation on 29august, 2009 during the regime of PPP. Later on, in 2017 Nawaz Sharif than in 2020 PM Imran khan put forwarded a political statement to make the GB as 5th province but they remained failed.
Such ambiguous political scenario and lack of political will is sequestering the rights of inhabitants of this landas, in comparison to Kashmir it lack medical colleges, tech education and universities for higher studies. The persistent sectarian issue is damaging the overall social fabric of this place.
Despite, of being famous for its serene beauty, culture, fruits and so many natural resources It has the worst infrastructural facilities as Every year billions of fruits gets destroyed, hundreds of people lost their lives due to broken roads and land sliding, lack of water storage capacity results floods and destroy people lands, lives and its natural topography.
Furthermore, the people of this region also faces so many governing issues like land ownership conflicts and acquisition of natural resources. It is crystal clear that GB is disputed land and has not became the part of Pakistan then, the abolition of state subject rule in 1974 make no sense. Indeed, give rise to social arousals. The recent movement of Land revenue act of 2024 and Green tourism had saddened people and created chaotic condition to which people reacted harshly and raise their voices through many platforms.
As crux, the region requires robust policy framework, thorough consideration and optimistic political view of central government to ensure the basic rights. Thus, then one can be expect for thriving economy and social prosperity.
