Revival of Gilgit Baltistan's Sovereignty

Revival of Giligt Baltistan’s Sovereignty

By Manzoor Hussain Parwana

Gilgit Baltistan is a noteworthy strategic crossroad country of the world, with 28 thousand square miles of area situated in the midst of four nuclear powers. This significant region between China, Pakistan, Central Asian Republics and India is also known as cockpit of Asia. The three highest mountain ranges of the world i.e. Karakoram, Hindukush and Himalaya also join hands here. Furthermore, this land is the focus of attention of tourists and adventurers, world over. In addition to this the said country is extensively rich in mineral wealth and immense natural resources. The increasing interest of USA, rising yearn of the people for independence and the developing activities of religious parties are leads to notions at international level of Gilgit-Baltistan emerging as an independent country on the globe. In accordance with the basic UNCIP Resolutions Gilgit-Baltistan is a part of the Kashmir Dispute. This region was temporarily handed over to Pakistan as a result of Karachi Pact of 28 April1949.The Govt of Pakistan still wants that Northern Areas be made permanent part of the State but ironically political and legal difficulties are hindering in this context. In the international scenario; legally, geographically and constitutionally, Gilgit Baltistan are very evidently not part of Pakistan. The Sunni school of thought thinks that if Gilgit Baltistan will become an independent State then due to the majority of masses it will become a Shia State. But the Shia majority of Gilgit-Baltistan thinks that they should join Pakistan to strengthen other Shia community of Pakistan. The pro-independent parties of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have this opinion that Gilgit-Baltistan is part and parcel of Jammu & Kashmir. According to them Kashmir is neither become part of Pakistan nor India but it should be an independent state. On the other hand the Sunni school of thought, who are a majority in Kashmir, wants to liberate Indian held Kashmir and are enthusiastic in making it a part of Pakistan. They are against making Gilgit-Baltistan a part of Pakistan directly. Firstly they want to make Gilgit-Baltistan a part of Kashmir and then whole Kashmir a part of Pakistan. The analysts viewed that "The Third World War will be over fresh water". Glaciers, rivers and streams of Karakorum, Hamalaya and Hindukush are the second big source of fresh water in the world. In order to win the war over fresh water in the near future America's eyes are now over Deosai Plains in the south of Skardu Baltistan. Deosai is the highest plateau 14500 feet above Sea level in the world. Due to its beauty, length, geographical and defensive importance, USA and UK has often asked Pakistan to let them use these plains for their military purposes. By making Kashmir an atomic flash point, Pakistan and India have opened the doors for America to interfere and now to enter Gilgit- Baltistan, America has raised the agenda of protecting water from atomic and chemical pollution. Besides Deosai, America is now in the hope to occupy Siachin, and Silk route, the ancient trading route to watch the activities of China. Mostly it is thought that China will not tolerate the interference of America in these areas. It is a one sided thought because the interference of America in Gilgit-Baltistan does not affect China rather it will protect the interests of China. It is proved by a valid source that China is very suspicious about the activities and the training camps of Islamic militants in Gilgit-Baltistan because China does not likes such activities on its border areas and if America will occupy this area China will take a sign of relief. The government of Pakistan and India can block the interference of USA in Gilgit-Baltistan, by giving basic rights and accepting the self-determination of the people of the region. The masses of Gilgit-Baltistan are desperately feeling the loss of their legal and basic rights. The learned community wants to see Gilgit-Baltistan in the row of Cultured and developed countries. The nationalists are struggling for the rights of the masses of Gilgit-Baltistan. The parties with most firm opinion in Gilgit-Baltistan’s sovereignty are Balawaristan National Front, (BNF), Gilgit Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) and Karakuram National Movement (KNM). The ideology of these parties is towards national identity, culture, history and geography. The struggle of these parties for the reformation of the national identity of the masses is increasing day by day. (Quoted International Crisis Group and European Parliament reports). The new generation can foresee, their bright and secure future in the Independent State of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Nationalist parties have argued that the war of liberation of 1947-48 was fought for making Gilgit-Baltistan an independent state and they were succeeded. On 1 November 1947 Independent State of Gilgit-Baltistan appeared on the map of world but after 16 days Pakistan took over the charge therefore Gilgit-Baltistan should be reformed. There is no doubt that 2 million deprived masses of Gilgit and Baltistan are restless to revive their sovereignty that they lost on 16th November 1947. The truth is that Gilgit-Baltistan is passing through the phase of decision-making, but Pakistan and India is neglecting the people of this area if any decision made without the consent of the people of Gilgit Baltistan they will not accept it. The tug of war for these areas will lead the atomic war in south Asia.

By Manzoor Hussain Parwana

(The writer is editor of Monthly Magazine "Kargil International' (Banned). He is chairman of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement a pro-independent organization in Baltistan. Your comments and views will be highly appreciated at, E-mail: manzoorhussain@engineer.com)