Opinion | Governance and Political Representation in Gilgit-Baltistan

Governance in Gilgit-Baltistan is characterized by a lack of genuine political representation, human rights violations, and the denial of fundamental rights. Pakistan’s heavy-handed control and electoral manipulation have turned the region into a political nightmare for its residents, who continue to struggle for recognition, justice, and autonomy. The situation in GB, much like in PoJK, highlights the contradictions between Pakistan’s claims of democracy and freedom and the realities of occupation and political suppression on the ground.

Pakistan has been extremely lethal towards POJK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Both regions are historically and legally part of Jammu and Kashmir, India. During partition, the circumstances in these occupied regions were worse compared to Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan not only illegally occupied these two regions but also provoked violence, radicalization, and terrorism in Kashmir through POJK by establishing launching pads and arms. However, with good policies, better integrity, and mechanisms, India launched and continues to mount a strong rebuttal to Pakistan’s terrorism. Today, after independence, POGB and POJK face severe crises, while Kashmir has become a “Switzerland of the world,” growing in economy, youth engagement, business, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, tourism, and peace all around.

Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a region under Pakistan’s control, remains a complex and contentious territory, much like PoJK, where governance and political representation are fraught with challenges. Despite being an integral part of the larger Kashmir dispute, GB faces significant issues related to political autonomy, rights violations, and the manipulation of its electoral and administrative systems by Islamabad.

The political structure of Gilgit-Baltistan has been criticized for lacking genuine representation of its local population. Like PoJK, GB operates under a system heavily influenced by Pakistan’s federal government, where local voices are often suppressed or sidelined. The Pakistani state exercises considerable control over the region’s political affairs through a combination of legal frameworks and administrative oversight that limit the democratic freedoms and rights of the people.

One of the most glaring issues is the absence of constitutional status for Gilgit-Baltistan within Pakistan. Unlike the provinces of Pakistan, GB is not formally recognized under the country’s constitution, leaving its residents in a legal limbo without full political rights or representation. This status denies the people of GB the fundamental rights and privileges enjoyed by citizens in other provinces, such as representation in Pakistan’s national parliament and equal access to justice and resources.

Pakistan’s governance in GB has been marked by frequent interference in local politics. Elections in the region are often manipulated to ensure the victory of candidates who align with Islamabad’s interests rather than those who genuinely represent local aspirations. This electoral engineering undermines the political legitimacy of the local government and breeds mistrust among the population.

The administration in Gilgit-Baltistan is also criticized for human rights violations and suppression of dissent. Peaceful protests and political movements advocating for greater autonomy, constitutional rights, or highlighting grievances are routinely met with harsh crackdowns by security forces. Reports of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and suppression of freedom of speech are common. Such measures stifle political opposition and maintain the status quo of Pakistani control.

Moreover, the region faces systemic neglect in terms of development and infrastructure. Despite its strategic importance and rich natural resources, Gilgit-Baltistan suffers from inadequate healthcare, education, and basic amenities. The population’s socio-economic needs are often overlooked as Pakistan prioritizes its military and strategic objectives over the welfare of the local people.

The political narrative imposed on Gilgit-Baltistan by Islamabad seeks to portray it as an inseparable part of Pakistan, yet the lived reality contradicts this portrayal. Residents face restrictions on political participation, and any attempt to question the official position or demand more rights is often labeled as anti-state or separatist activity. This creates an atmosphere of fear and repression, further alienating the local population.

Critics argue that Pakistan’s approach to Gilgit-Baltistan serves multiple objectives: maintaining control over a strategically vital region, projecting its Kashmir-related claims internationally, and suppressing any form of local nationalism that could challenge Islamabad’s authority. The region’s unique ethnic and cultural identity is at risk of being overshadowed by political manipulation and centralized control.

Governance in Gilgit-Baltistan is characterized by a lack of genuine political representation, human rights violations, and the denial of fundamental rights. Pakistan’s heavy-handed control and electoral manipulation have turned the region into a political nightmare for its residents, who continue to struggle for recognition, justice, and autonomy. The situation in GB, much like in PoJK, highlights the contradictions between Pakistan’s claims of democracy and freedom and the realities of occupation and political suppression on the ground.

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