Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), an area of high strategic importance located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), exemplifies the misgovernance by the Pakistani state. Despite its abundant natural resources, breathtaking scenery, and geopolitical significance, GB has long suffered from chronic underdevelopment, poor governance, and systemic neglect. The ongoing protests in the area spotlight these problems, highlighting the gap between the commitments made by successive governments and the harsh reality faced by the inhabitants of GB.
To understand the plight of this region, one needs to delve into the historical background, governance difficulties, infrastructural deficiencies, and the recent surge of protests exacerbating the region’s suffering. The story of Gilgit-Baltistan is a classic case of neglect and mismanagement. After the partition of British India in 1947, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing GB, became a centre of geopolitical conflict. The Gilgit Scouts, a local militia, led a revolt against the Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh, resulting in the region’s accession to Pakistan. Nevertheless, the incorporation of GB into Pakistan’s administrative structure was neither comprehensive nor transparent.
In the initial years following its accession, Pakistan pledged development and integration for Gilgit-Baltistan. However, these commitments were rarely fulfilled. For example, the region was not accorded full provincial status and instead operated under a quasi-autonomous administrative framework, characterised by sporadic federal oversight. This ambiguous administrative status resulted in prolonged neglect. According to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), the lack of clear administrative direction led to substantial deficiencies in public services and development efforts.
In 2020, the World Bank’s Pakistan Economic Survey revealed that GB, despite its strategic significance, received less than 0.5 per cent of the federal development budget, a sharp contrast to the allocations for other provinces.
Governance Issues
The governance framework in Gilgit-Baltistan is intricate and riddled with inefficiencies. The region is overseen by a combination of federal and local authorities, a system that frequently leads to bureaucratic delays and a lack of accountability. Although the GB Legislative Assembly is elected, it possesses limited powers and operates under the federal government’s supervision. This setup has created a disconnect between local governance and the population’s needs. Corruption and mismanagement have further worsened governance challenges. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for Pakistan has consistently reported high corruption levels, with GB being no exception.
A 2023 survey by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) revealed that 68 per cent of respondents in GB considered corruption a significant barrier to effective governance. Administrative inefficiencies are evident in the region’s failure to manage development projects effectively. For example, the much-anticipated Diamer-Bhasha Dam, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the region’s economic prospects, has faced numerous delays. Proposed initially in 1998, the dam has achieved only 30 per cent completion by 2024, plagued by cost overruns and allegations of mismanagement.
Infrastructure Deficits
There are critical gaps when it comes to infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan. The poor state of infrastructure has a direct impact on various aspects of daily life and economic activities. While the region’s difficult terrain is frequently mentioned as a major barrier, the situation has worsened because of inadequate investment and poor planning.
Transportation
The transportation network in Gilgit-Baltistan is limited and poorly maintained. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, GB has only 3,000 kilometres of paved roads, which is inadequate given the region’s geographical expanse and population. Many remote areas remain inaccessible, especially during winter when snowfall disrupts travel. The lack of connectivity greatly impedes trade and access to essential services. The Karakoram Highway (KKH), the main route linking GB with the rest of Pakistan and China, is often congested and plagued by maintenance problems.
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Gilgit-Baltistan is in a critical condition. Each district has only one major hospital, and many of these are poorly equipped. A 2022 report by the Health Department of Gilgit-Baltistan disclosed that over 50 per cent of healthcare facilities lacked essential medical equipment, and 30 per cent were understaffed. Residents often need to travel to Islamabad or other major cities for specialised medical care, which is both time-consuming and expensive.
Education
The educational infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan is equally underdeveloped. According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the literacy rate in GB is 60 per cent, considerably lower than the national average of 75 per cent. Many schools in the area are in poor condition, lacking essential facilities and educational resources. The 2023 Pakistan Education Statistics report indicated that around 40 per cent of schools in GB function without sufficient teaching staff or basic amenities, resulting in a substandard educational experience.
Neglect of the Local Population
The neglect of Gilgit-Baltistan’s population is a critical issue that has fuelled longstanding grievances. Despite the region’s strategic importance, local communities have faced marginalisation and exclusion from the benefits of national development. The economic disparity between GB and other regions of Pakistan is stark. The region’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and tourism, but limited infrastructure and administrative support hinder growth.
The 2023 Pakistan Economic Survey revealed that GB’s per capita income is 30 per cent lower than the national average. The region’s natural resources, including minerals and hydropower potential, have been exploited with minimal benefits accruing to local communities.
The absence of industrial development at the local level has contributed to high unemployment rates, with youth unemployment in GB reaching 20 per cent compared to the national average of 10 per cent. Moreover, the Central government’s focus on geopolitical and strategic interests has often sidelined the needs of GB’s residents. The region’s strategic importance in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has led to resource allocation on priority basis to those national security and infrastructure projects that do not necessarily benefit the local population. The lack of investment in local economic development has perpetuated a cycle of poverty and marginalisation.
Mass Protests and the Demand for Change
The discontent in Gilgit-Baltistan has culminated in massive protests that have lasted for over a year now. These demonstrations stem from various grievances, including demands for greater political representation, improved infrastructure, demand for subsidies and a fairer distribution of resources. These protests have seen widespread participation from diverse ethnic and social groups.
Demonstrators have increasingly called for increased autonomy, arguing that the current administrative arrangements do not address the region’s specific needs. They have also demanded major improvements in healthcare, education, and transportation, highlighting the disparity between governmental promises and the reality on the ground. In response, Islamabad has promised a whole lot of measures but things haven’t really progressed on ground. The use of force to suppress protests and the arrest of activists have further fuelled tensions, with many protesters expressing scepticism about the government’s commitment to meaningful change.
International attention has also been drawn to the situation in GB. Human rights organisations and international media have highlighted the region’s plight, calling for greater accountability and support for the local population. The ongoing protests serve as a stark reminder of the need for a comprehensive and transparent approach to addressing the challenges faced by Gilgit-Baltistan.
Conclusion
The situation in Gilgit-Baltistan epitomises misgovernance, underdevelopment, and regional bias and neglect. Despite the region’s strategic importance, it has not experienced the development and prosperity promised to its inhabitants over several years. This has led to widespread discontent and protests. Only through a committed and transparent effort can Gilgit-Baltistan overcome its longstanding challenges and achieve the progress long denied to its people. However, given the current state of affairs in Pakistan, it is highly unlikely that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will receive any immediate relief.
The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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