By Munawar Hussain
Gilgit Baltistan (GB), formerly known as the “Northern Areas,” is a part of Pakistan’s Administered Kashmir, a territory significant for Pakistan and India.
To annex the region with either country, the two neighbors have been locked into persistent rivalry since 1947 and fought three direct wars but remained unsuccessful in their efforts. Gilgit Baltistan borders with Pakistan’s Azad Kashmir to the South, the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the West, the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan to the North, the Xinjiang region to the east and northeast, and the Indian-occupied Kashmir and Ladakh to the Southeast.
In terms of geographical area, the region is six times larger than Azad Kashmir. In 1970, the Government of Pakistan made Gilgit Baltistan a separate Unit under “Northern Areas.” The new administrative setup was formed by amalgamating the former Gilgit Agency, the Baltistan district, and several small former princely states, including Hunza and Nagar.
In 2009, through the Self-Governance Order signed by then-President Asif Ali Zardari, the region was renamed Gilgit Baltistan and granted limited autonomy. Nonetheless, it is speculated that much of the power rests in the hands of the Governor rather than the Chief Minister, creating anxiety and unrest in the masses.
The region is mainly mountainous and hilly, experiencing sharp temperature dropdowns in the winter, thereby significantly impacting the lives of individuals. Due to geographic, territorial, and administrative barriers, the people of Gilgit Baltistan have been facing severe issues. Nonetheless, it has been observed in the last few years that people are protesting for fundamental human rights in minus temperatures.
The recent wave of protest started when the federal government abolished wheat subsidies for the local people. A press note by the finance ministry revealed that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved the wheat withdrawal subsidy for 40% of the population, citing that the population bracket does not fall in the vulnerable community. Nonetheless, the masses broadly criticized the decision due to the non-availability of fertile and arid land to grow wheat.
In the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan, a perfect storm of socioeconomic challenges, sectarian tensions, and alleged governmental atrocities has ignited a crisis that threatens the stability and well-being of its inhabitants. What began as localized discontent has snowballed into widespread protests and unrest, painting a bleak picture of the region’s future.
One of the primary catalysts for the ongoing crisis is the decision by the government to abolish wheat subsidies, better health and education facilities, and a rational share from the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. These subsidies were a lifeline for many residents, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities, ensuring access to affordable food. However, the sudden removal of this crucial support has left many struggling families to make ends meet, pushing them to the brink of desperation.
Adding fuel to the fire are the escalating sectarian tensions, fueled by incendiary remarks made by religious leaders from various schools of thought. The Shia majority region underwent a tremendous sectarian conflict since the 1970s due to multifaceted factors. The reopening of the Karakoram Highway, Afghan Jihad, Zia ul Haq’s policies, and poor economic conditions further fueled the sectarian fault lines. The post-1990s era experienced a violent sectarian upheaval, killing hundreds of innocent individuals from the two sides.
The recent incident of sectarian conflict was reported in August 2023 when blasphemy accusations were leveled against a Shia preacher. The dubious blasphemous remarks, instead of fostering harmony and understanding, further aggravated the divisions within the community, leading to heightened hatred and conflict. In a region already grappling with complex ethnic and religious dynamics, such provocations only serve to destabilize an already fragile environment further.
Compounding these internal challenges are reports of atrocities allegedly committed by both the Pakistani government and China. Accusations of human rights abuses and heavy-handed tactics have fueled resentment and distrust among the populace, eroding faith in the authorities and exacerbating feelings of marginalization and oppression. Amidst this backdrop of unrest and turmoil, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan find themselves trapped in a cycle of uncertainty and despair. Necessities are becoming increasingly scarce, livelihoods are under threat, and the specter of violence looms large over the region.
In the face of such adversity, all stakeholders must come together to address the root causes of the crisis and chart a path towards peace and stability. This requires genuine dialogue, empathy, and a commitment to address the grievances of all communities. Additionally, transparency and accountability must be prioritized to rebuild trust in the authorities and prevent further escalation of tensions. Ultimately, the crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan is a stark reminder of the urgent need for inclusive governance, respect for human rights, and equitable development in regions facing marginalization and neglect. Only through concerted efforts to address these underlying issues can the people of Gilgit-Baltistan hope to build a future free from conflict and uncertainty.
Munawar Hussain – Student of International Relations at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad Pakistan. He researches on Federalism, Ethnic Conflict and Resolution, China-Pakistan Relations, and CPEC.
(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy or views of World Geostrategic Insights).
Image Source: @mountains_explorer