Gilgit-Baltistan - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

8/27/2016
GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
GilgitBaltistan
FromWikipedia,thefreeencyclopedia
Gilgit
GilgitBaltistan
Coordinates
:
35.35N75.9E
Q Q &
Administrative Territory of Pakistan[1]
Top Left to Right: Attabad Lake, K2, Passu, Cold Desertand Deosai National Park
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GilgitBaltistan
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Flag
Seal
Nickname(s): GB
Baltistan is shown in red. Rest of Pakistan is shown in white. The Indian administered state of Jammu and Kashmir
is shown by hatching.
Coordinates:
Country
Established
Pakistan
1 July 1970
Capital
Largest city
Gilgit
Skardu[3]
35.35N 75.9E
Government
Type
Selfgoverning territory of Pakistan
Body
Legislative assembly
Governor
Mir Ghanzafar Ali[4]
Chief Minister
Hafeezur Rahman[5]
Area
72,971 km2 (28,174 sq mi)
Total
[6]
Population (2015)
Total
Time zone
3166 code
Main languages
1,800,000[2]
PKT (UTC+5) ISO
PKGB
Balti, Shina, Burushaski,Wakhi, Khowari, Kohistani,Kashmiri, Urdu, Punjabi,Pashto
Assembly seats
33[7]
Districts
Towns
10
9
Website
gilgitbaltistan.gov.pk
Baltistan (Urdu: ) , formerly known as theNorthern Areas,[8] is the northernmost administrative

territory of Pakistan.[9] It borders Azad Kashmir to the south, the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the west, the
Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan to the north,Xinjiang, China, to the east and northeast and Jammu and Kashmir
to the southeast. The region, together with Azad Kashmir, Aksai Chin, Shakshagam Valley of China and Jammu
and Kashmir, is disputed between India, China and Pakistan. [9][10]
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The territory of presentday GilgitBaltistan became a separate administrative unit in 1970 under the name "Northern
Areas". It was formed by the amalgamation of the former Gilgit Agency, the Baltistan district and several small
former princely states, the larger of which being HunzaNagar.[2] In 2009, it was granted limited autonomy and
renamed to GilgitBaltistan via the SelfGovernance Order signed by Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari, which also
aimed to empower the people of Gilgit Baltistan. However, scholars state that the real power rests with the governor
and not with chief minister or elected assembly.[11][12] The Pakistan government has rejected GilgitBaltistani calls for
integration with Pakistan on the grounds that it would jeopardise its demands for the whole Kashmir issue to be
resolved according to UN resolutions.[13]
GilgitBaltistan covers an area of over 72,971 km (28,174 sq mi)[6] and is highly mountainous. It had an estimated
population of 1,800,000 in 2015.[2] Its capital city is Gilgit (population 216,760 est).
GilgitBaltistan is home to five of the "eight thousanders" and to more than fifty peaks above 7,000 metres (23,000
ft). Three of the world's longestglaciers outside the polar regions are found in GilgitBaltistan. Tourism is mostly in
trekking andmountaineering, and this industry is growing in importance.
Contents [hide]
History
1.1 Early history
1.2 Medieval History
1.3 Modern History
1.4 Inside Pakistan
Government
Administrative divisions 4
Geography and climate
4.1 Rock art and
petroglyphs
4.2 Climate
5 Economy and resources
5.1 Mountaineering
6 Sports
7 Transport
8 Demographics
8.1 Languages
8.2 Religion
8.3 Culture 9 See also
10 References
11 Bibliography
12 External links
History
Main article: History of GilgitBaltistan
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Early history
Between 399 and 414, the
Rockcarvings
Chinese Buddhist
pilgrimFaxian (Fahsien)
visited GilgitBaltistan,[15]
while in the 6th century
Somana Palola (greater
GilgitChilas) was ruled by
an unknown king.
ManthalBuddahrockinoutskirts
Photographof
KargahBuddha
ofSkardu
city
Between 627 and 645:
"
pilgrim Xuanzang
TheancientStuparockcarvingsofBuddha,everywhereintheregionis
[14]
apointertothefirmholdoftheBuddhistrulesforsuchalongtime."
The Chinese Buddhist

(Hsantsang) travelled
through this region. From

644 to 655,
671: Navasurendrdityanandi was King of
Palola (Gilgit ). In 706/707,
Jayamagalavikramdityanandi became the
King of Palola. It is said that in the year 717, a delegation of a ruler of great Palola, named Sufushelijilini
according to the transcription of Chinese characters, reached the Chinese imperial court. In 719, Sufushelijilini, King
of Palola, sent a second delegation to the Chinese Imperial court.[16] At least in 719/720 Ladakh (Mard) was part of
theTibetan Empire. About 720 Buddhism is practiced inBaltistan and Sanskrit was the written language. It is
unknown if Baltistan temporarily belonged at that time to Palolo.720: Delegation of Soulint'o i che (=
Surendrditya), King of Palola, to the Chinese imperial court. The Emperor gives the ruler of Cashmere "Tchenfolopili
(Chandrpda)" the title of "King of Cashmere".At least 721/722: Baltistan is part of the Tibetan
Empire.[17] 721/722: The conquest of Little Palola or Bruzha (Yasin) by the Tibetan army fails. Mochingmang (Mokinmang) is King of Palola. With 723 727/28: The Korean Buddhist pilgrim Hyecho(Huichao) reached Palola.
In 737 / 738 Tibetan troops under the leadership of Minister sKyesbzang ldongtsab conquer Little Palola. 740/41:
The Tibetan Princess Khrimalod was sent as a bride of Sushihlichi, the ruler (rje) of Little Palola. 747:
Reconquest of Palola by a Chinese army under the leadership of the ethnicKorean commander Gao Xianzhi (Kao
Hsienchih).[18] 753: Conquest of Great Palola by a Chinese army under the military Governor Feng
Changqinguntil 755 due to the An Lushan rebellion the Chinese lost its supremacy in Central Asia and in the
regions around Gilgit Baltistan.[19]
Turks arrived in Gilgit during the 7th century, they practiced zoroastrianism
and were founders ofTrakhan dynasty in Gilgit. During 8th century,
Tibetanswere known to live in Baltistan. Rulars of Gilgit formed an alliance
with Chinese T'ang Dynasty and forced Arabs back with their help.[20]
Medieval History
GilgitBaltistan was ruled by many local rulers amongst them Maoponsof Skardu
and Rajas ofHunza were famous. The Maqpons
Map of Tibetan Empire citing the
areas of Gilgit Baltistan as part of its
kingdom in 780790 CE
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of Skardu unfied Gilgit baltistan with chitral,ladakh specially in the era of Ali Sher
Khan Anchan[21]who had a friendly relation with Mughal court.[22]Anchan reign
brought prosperity in art, sport, and variety in architecture He introduce polo in
gilgit region and in chitral he sent group of musician in Delhi to learn Indian music
and due relation with Mughals TheMughal architecture influenced Architecture of
the region as well.[23]
After Anchan in his successors Abdal Khan had great influence though In
the popular literature of Baltistan he is still alive as dark figure by the nickname "Mizos" "maneater".The last raja of
Maqpons was Ahmed Shah who ruled 18111840 in entire baltistan.The areas of Gilgit, Chitral, and Hunza get
independence of Maqpons many year before.[citation needed]
Before the demise of Shribadat, a group of Shin people migrated from Gilgit Dardistan and settled in the Dras and
Kharmang areas. The descendants of those Dardic people can be still found today, and is believed that they have
maintained their Dardic culture and Shina language up to the present time.[citation needed]
Modern History
In November 1839: Beginning of the
campaign of Zorawar
Singhagainst Baltistan.[24]
1839/1840: Conquest of Skardu and
capture of Ahmad Shah. Ahmad
Shah was forced to accompany Zorawar
Singh on his raid into Western
Tibet. Appointment of Baghwan Singh as
administrator (Thanadar) in
Skardu.
1841: Successful uprising against the
Dogras in Baltistan led by Ali
Khan of Rondu, Haidar Khan ofShigar,
and Daulat Ali Khan from Khaplu.
Capture of the Dogra commander
Baghwan Singh in
Skardu.
[25]
1842: The second conquest of
Baltistan by the Dogra
Commander Wasir Lakhpat with the
active support of Ali Sher Khan
(III)
from lKartaksho. Bloody capture of the
The last Maqpon Raja Ahmed Shah
the uprising against the Dogra,[26]
Khan from Shigar, one of the leaders of

was imprisoned and died in captivity.
administrator (Thanadar) for Baltistan
fortress of Kharphocho. Haidar
(died in prison in Srinagar by

Dograrulers. around 1845)
Gosaun was appointed as

and til 1860, the entire region of
GilgitBaltistan was conquered by the Sikhs and the Dogras. It was the Dogras who incorporated GilgitBaltistan
into Kashmir even though the people of the region are more closely related to those of Ladakh andChitral.[27][28]
After the defeat of the Sikhs in the First AngloSikh War, it became a part of the princely state with the name
Jammu and Kashmir in 1846 under the rule of the Dogras who ruled the region more than a century. It
remained so till a rebellion, organized by commander Major William Brown of the Gilgit Scoutsmutinied and
overthrew Ghansara Singh, the Governor administering the region on behalf of the Maharaja of Jammu and
Kashmir on 1 November 1947.
After Pakistan's independence, Jammu and Kashmir initially remained an independent state. Later On 22 October
1947, Tribal militias backed by Pakistan crossed the border in Jammu and Kashmir with the claim that they needed
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to suppress a rebellion on the southeast of the kingdom.[29][30] Local tribal militias and the Pakistani armed forces
moved to takeSrinagar but on reaching Uri they encountered defensive forces. Hari Singh made a plea to India for
assistance and signed the Instrument of Accession.
Gilgit's population did not favour the State's accession to India. [31] Sensing their discontent, Major William Brown,
the Maharaja's commander of the Gilgit Scouts, mutinied on 1 November 1947, overthrowing the Governor
Ghansara Singh. The bloodless coup d'etat was planned by Brown to the last detail under the code name `Datta
Khel', which was also joined by a rebellious section of the Jammu and Kashmir 6th Infantry under Mirza Hassan
Khan. Brown ensured that the treasury was secured and minorities were protected. A provisional government
(Aburi Hakoomat) was established by the Gilgit locals with Raja Shah Rais Khan as the president and Mirza
Hassan Khan as the commanderinchief. However, Major Brown had already telegraphed Khan Abdul Qayyum
Khanasking Pakistan to take over. The Pakistani political agent, Khan Mohammad Alam Khan, arrived on 16
November and took over the administration of Gilgit.[32][33] According to Brown,
Alam replied [to the locals],: `you are a crowd of fools led astray by a madman. I shall not tolerate this
nonsense for one instance... And when the Indian Army starts invading you there will be no use screaming
to Pakistan for help, because you won't get it.'... The provisional government faded away after this
encounter with Alam Khan...[34]
The provisional government lasted 16 days. Scholar Yaqoob Khan Bangash states that the people of Gilgit as well
as those of Chilas, Koh Ghizr, Ishkoman, Yasin, Punial, Hunza and Nagar joined Pakistan by choice. [35]
After taking control of Gilgit, the Gilgit Scouts along with Azad irregulars moved towards Baltistan andLadakh and
captured Skardu by May 1948. They successfully blocked the Indian reinforcements and subsequently captured
Dras and Kargill as well, cutting off the Indian communications to Leh in Ladakh. The Indian forces mounted an
offensive in Autumn 1948 and recaptured all of Kargil district.Baltistan region, however, came under
Gilgit control.[36][37]
On 1 January 1948, India took the issue of Jammu and Kashmir to the United Nations Security Council. In April
1948, the Council passed a resolution calling for Pakistan to withdraw from all of Jammu and Kashmir and India to
reduce its forces to the minimum level, following which a plebiscite would be held to ascertain the people's wishes.
[38]
However, no withdrawal was ever carried out, India insisting that Pakistan had to withdraw first and Pakistan
contending that there was no guarantee that India would withdraw afterwards. [39]GilgitBaltastan and a western
portion of the state called Azad Jammu and Kashmir) have remained under the control of Pakistan since then.[40]
Inside Pakistan
For a short period after joining Pakistan, GilgitBaltistan was governed by Azad Kashmir if only "theoretically, but not
practically" through its claim of being an alternative government for Jammu and Kashmir.[41] However, on 29
April 1949, Azad Kashmir was made to sign the Karachi Agreement, through which it ceded all control over Gilgit
Baltistan (then called "Northern Areas") to Pakistan's Ministry of Kashmir Affairs. This is seen as an effort by
Pakistan to legitimize its rule over GilgitBaltistan.[42] The Karachi Agreement is highly unpopular in GilgitBaltistan
because GilgitBaltistan was not a party to it even while its fate was being decided upon. [43]
From then until 1990s, GilgitBaltistan was governed through the colonialera Frontier Crimes Regulations, which
treated tribal people as "barbaric and uncivilised," levying collective fines and punishments. [44][45] People had no right
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to legal representation or a right to appeal.

[46][45]
Members of tribes had to obtain prior permission from the police to
travel to any location and had to keep the police informed about their movements. [47][48]
There was no democratic setup for GilgitBaltistan during this period. All political and judicial powers remained in the
hands of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA). The people of GilgitBaltistan had no rights and
privileges as citizens of either Pakistan or Azad Kashmir.[49]
In 1970 the two parts of the territory, viz., the Gilgit Agency and Baltistan, were merged into a single administrative
unit, and given the name "Northern Areas".[9] The Shaksgam tract was ceded by Pakistan to China following the
signing of the SinoPakistani Frontier Agreement in 1963.[50][51]
In 1969, a Northern Areas Advisory Council (NAAC) was created, later renamed to Northern Areas Council (NAC) in
1974 and Northern Areas Legislative Council (NALC) in 1994. But it was devoid of legislative powers. All lawmaking
was concentrated in the KANA Ministry of Pakistan. In 1994, a Legal Framwork Order (LFO) was created by the
KANA Ministry to serve as the de facto constitution for the region. [52][53]
In late 1990s, the President of AlJihad Trust filed a petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan to determine the legal
status of GilgitBaltistan. In its judgement of 28 May 1999, the Court directed the Government of Pakistan to ensure
the provision of equal rights to the people of GilgitBaltistan, and gave it six months to do so. This introduced a flurry
of reforms, but largely cosmetic. A position of `Deputy Chief Executive' was created to act the local administrator,
but the real powers still rested with the `Chief Executive', who was the Federal Minister of KANA. "The secretaries
were more powerful than the concerned advisors," in the words of one commentator. In spite of various reforms
packages over the years, the situation is essentially unchanged.[54]
Meanwhile, public rage in GilgitBaltistan is "growing alarmingly." Prominent "antagonist groups" have mushroomed
protesting the absence of civic rights and democracy.[55] Pakistan government has been debating the grant of a
provincial status to GilgitBaltastan.[56]
Government
Main article: Government of GilgitBaltistan
The territory of presentday GilgitBaltistan became a separate administrative unit in 1970 under the name
"Northern Areas". It was formed by the amalgamation of the former Gilgit Agency, the Baltistan District of the
Ladakh Wazarat, and the hill states of Hunza andNagar. It presently consists of nine districts, has a population
approaching one million, an area of approximately 28,000 square miles (73,000 km 2), and shares borders with
Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, and India. In 1993, an attempt was made by the High Court of Azad Jammu and
Kashmir to annex GilgitBaltistan but was quashed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan after protests by the locals of
GilgitBaltistan, who feared domination by the Kashmiris.[13]
Government of Pakistan abolished State Subject Rule in GilgitBaltistan in 1974, which resulted in demographic
changes in the territory.[57][58] While administratively controlled by Pakistan since the First Kashmir War,
GilgitBaltistan has never been formally integrated into the Pakistani state and does not participate in Pakistan's
constitutional political affairs.[59][60] On 29 August 2009, the GilgitBaltistan Empowerment and SelfGovernance
Order 2009, was passed by the Pakistani cabinet and later signed by the then President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari.
[61]
The order granted selfrule to the people of GilgitBaltistan, by creating, among other things, an elected Gilgit-
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Baltistan Legislative Assembly and GilgitBaltistan Council. GilgitBaltistan thus gained a de factoprovincelike status
without constitutionally becoming part of Pakistan. [59][62] Officially, The Pakistan government has rejected GilgitBaltistani calls for integration with Pakistan on the grounds that it would jeopardise its demands for the whole
Kashmir issue to be resolved according to UN resolutions.[13] Some Kashmiri nationalist groups, such as the Jammu
and Kashmir Liberation Front, claim GilgitBaltistan as part of a future independent state to match what existed in
1947.[13] India, on the other hand, maintains that GilgitBaltistan is a part of the former princely state ofJammu and
Kashmir that is "an integral part of the country [India]."[63]
Administrative divisions
GilgitBaltistan is administratively
divided into three divisions[64]
which, in turn, are divided into ten
districts, consisting of the
four Baltistan districts of
Skardu,Shigar, Kharmang,
and Ghanche, and the six
Gilgitdistricts
of Gilgit, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore,

Astore and Diamer are part of
principal administrative centers are
Skardu.
Hunza andNagar, of which

Diamer Division.[65][66] The
the towns of Gilgit and
Map of GilgitBaltistan, showing the boundaries of

six of the nine present districts and their
Division
District
Baltistan
Ghanche
tehsils. The boundary between the recently created

HunzaNagar District and the now smaller Gilgit
District is the same line as the northern boundary of
the former Gilgit Tehsil. That tehsil appears as the
southernmost division of the area shown above in
light blue. Aliabad, the administrative center of the
new HunzaNagar District, is not yet shown on this
map. Note: An uptodate map showing the
[67]
of the present
is sorely
Area (km) boundaries
Capitalof all nine
Population
(2013)districts
Divisional Capital
needed.
Shigar
Kharmang
Gilgit
Diamer
*
Skardu
Gilgit
4,052 Khaplu
108,000
Skardu
305,000*
222,000
Gilgit
8,500 Shigar
5,500 Kharmang
8,700 Skardu
14,672 Gilgit
Ghizer
Hunza
9,635 Gahkuch
7,900 Aliabad
190,000
70,000 (2015)[68]
Nagar
5,000 Nagar
51,387 (1998)[67]
Diamer
10,936 Chilas
214,000
Astore
5,092 Eidghah
114,000
Combined population of Skardu, Shigar and Kharmang Districts. Shigar and Kharmang Districts were carved out
of Skardu District after 1998. The estimated population of GilgitBaltistan was about 1.8 million in 2015[2] and the
overall population growth rate between 1998 and 2011 was 63.1% making it 4.85% annually.[69][70]
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Geography and climate

Main article: Geography of GilgitBaltistan
GilgitBaltistan borders Pakistan'sKhyber Pukhtunkhwaprovince to the west,
a small portion of the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan to the north,
China'sXinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to the northeast, the
Indianadministered Jammu and Kashmir to the southeast, and the
Pakistaniadministered state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the south.
GilgitBaltistan is home to five of the "eight-
thousanders" and to more than
fifty peaks above 7,000 metres (23,000
ft).Gilgit andSkardu are the two
main hubs for expeditions to those
mountains. The region is home to
some of the world'shighest mountainranges.
The main ranges are the
Karakoram and the westernHimalayas. The
Pamir Mountains are to the north,
and the Hindu Kush lies to the west.
Amongst the highest mountains
are K2 (Mount GodwinAusten) and Nanga
Parbat, the latter being one of the
most feared mountains in the world.

Three of the world's longest glaciers outside
the polar regions are found in
GilgitBaltistan: the Biafo Glacier, the Baltoro
Glacier, and the Batura Glacier.
There are, in addition, several highaltitude

Sheosar Lake in the Deosai Plains,
Naltar lakes in the Naltar Valley, Gilgit
Map of GilgitBaltistan showing its

position relative to Azad
Kashmir
lakes in GilgitBaltistan:
skardu
Satpara Tso Lake in Skardu, Baltistan Katzura Tso Lake in Skardu, Baltistan
Zharba Tso Lake in Shigar, Baltistan
Phoroq Tso Lake in Skardu, Baltistan
Lake Kharfak in Gangche, Baltistan
Byarsa Tso Lake in Gultari, Astore
Borith Lake in Gojal, upper Hunza,
Gilgit
Rama Lake near Astore

Rush Lake near Nagar, Gilgit
Kromber Lake at Kromber Pass
Barodaroksh Lake in Bar Valley, Nagar
Ghorashi Lake in Ghandus Valley,
Ishkoman Valley, Ghizer District

Upper Kachura Lake
Kharmang
The Deosai Plains, are located above the tree line and constitute the secondhighest plateau in the world at
Satpara
Skardu,
in 2002
4,115 metres (14,500 feet) after Tibet. The plateau lies east of Astore, south of Skardu and
west Lake,
ofLadakh.
The
area was declared as a national park in 1993.
The Deosai Plains cover an
area of almost 5,000 square kilometres (1,900 sq
mi). For over half the year
(between September and May), Deosai is snow-
bound and cut off from rest of
Astore and Baltistan in winters. The village of
Deosai lies close to Chilum
chokki and is connected with the Kargil district of
Ladakh through an allweather
road.
a boat in AttaAbad lake
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Rock art and petroglyphs

There are more than 50,000 pieces of rock art (petroglyphs) and inscriptions all along the Karakoram Highway in
GilgitBaltistan, concentrated at ten major sites between Hunza and Shatial. The carvings were left by invaders,
traders, and pilgrims who passed along the trade route, as well as by locals. The earliest date back to between
5000 and 1000 BCE, showing single
animals, triangular men and
hunting scenes in which the animals are
larger than the hunters.
Thesecarvings were pecked into the rock
with stone tools and are
covered with a thick patina that proves their
age.
The ethnologist Karl Jettmar has pieced
together the history of the area
from inscriptions and recorded his findings in
Rock Carvings and Inscriptions in
the Northern Areas of Pakistan
[72]
and the
and the Silk Roads Rock Carvings Along
Shangrila Lake, Skardu
laterreleasedBetween Gandhara
the Karakoram Highway.[73] Many
of these carvings and inscriptions will be inundated and/or destroyed when the planned BashaDiamir dam is built
andthe
NaltarLakes
Karakoram
Highwayis
widened.
Climate
Theclimate
ofGilgit
Baltistan
variesfrom
NaltarLakeorBashkiriLakeI
NaltarLakeorBashkiriLakeII
AzurecoloredwaterofNaltarLake
III
[71]
Surfaceelevation
= 30503150m
region to region, surrounding mountain ranges creates sharp variations in weather. The eastern part has the moist
zone of the western Himalayas, but going towardKarakoram and Hindu Kush, the climate dries considerably.[74]
There are towns like Gilgit and Chilas that are very hot during the day in summer yet cold at night and valleys like
Astore, Khaplu, Yasin, Hunza, and Nagar, where the temperatures are cold even in summer.
Economy and resources

See also:Education in GilgitBaltistan
The economy of the region is primarily
based on a traditional route of
trade, the historic Silk Road. The China
Trade Organization forum led the
people of the area to actively invest and
learn modern trade knowhow from
its Chinese neighbor Xinjiang. Later, the
establishment of a chamber of
commerce and the Sust dry port (in
GojalHunza) are milestones. The
rest of the economy is shouldered by mainly
agriculture and tourism.
Agricultural products are wheat, corn
(maize), barley, and fruits.
Tourism is mostly in trekking
andmountaineering, and this
industry is growing in importance.[75][76]
Montage of GilgitBaltistan
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In early September 2009, Pakistan signed an agreement with the People's Republic of China for a major energy
project in GilgitBaltistan which includes the construction of a 7,000megawatt dam at Bunji in the Astore
District.[77]
Mountaineering
GilgitBaltistan is home to more than 20
m), including K2 the second highest
known peaks includeMasherbrum(also
Hidden Peak,Gasherbrum II,Gasherbrum IV,
Valley. The following peaks have so far been
peaks of over 20,000 feet (6,100

mountain on Earth.[79]Other well
known as K1), Broad Peak,
andChogolisa, situated inKhaplu
scaled by various expeditions:
View of Laila Peak, which is located

near Hushe Valley (a town in
Khaplu)
The Trango Towers offer some of

the largest cliffs and most
challengingrock climbing in the world,
and every year a number of
expeditions
from all corners of the globe visit
Karakoram to climb the challenging
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granite.[78]
Name
of Peak
1.K2
2. Nanga
Parbat
3.Gasher
brum I
4. Broad
Peak
5.
Muztagh
Tower
6.Gasher
brum II
Ph
ot
os
H
ei
gh
t
Dat Loc
e
atio
of
n
Co
nq
ue
st
(28
,25
0Ft
)
31/
7/1
95
4
Kar
ako
ram
(26
,66
0
Ft)
3/7
/19
53
Hi
mal
aya
7/7
/19
56
Kar
ako
ram
9/6
/19
57
Kar
ako
ram
6/8
/19
56
Kar
ako
ram
4/7
/19
58
Kar
ako
ram
(26
,36
0Ft
)
(26
,55
0Ft
)
(23
,80
0Ft
)
(26
,12
0Ft
)
7.
Hidden
Peak
(26
,47
0Ft
)
4/7
/19
57
Kar
ako
ram
8.
Khunyan
g Chhish
(25
,76
1
Ft)
4/7
/19
71
Kar
ako
ram
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9.Mashe
rbrum
(25
,65
9
Ft)
4/8
/19
60
Kar
ako
ram
10.
Saltoro
Kangri
(25
,40
0Ft
)
4/6
/19
62
Kar
ako
ram
11.Chog
olisa
(25
,14
8
Ft)
4/8
/19
63
Kar
ako
ram
Sports
This section requires expansion.
(January 2010)
Every year, many tourists visit to enjoy polo in GilgitBaltistan. "Polo" is a Persian word which means "ball".
Other games such as cricket, tuksori of Nagar, gulli danda, kabbadi, and volleyball are also played.[80]
Transport
Before 1978, GilgitBaltistan was cut off from
the rest of the Pakistan and the
world due to the harsh terrain and the lack of
accessible roads. All of the roads
to the south opened toward the Pakistan-
administered state of Azad
Kashmir and to the southeast toward the
presentday Indianadministered
Jammu and Kashmir. During the summer,
people could walk across the
mountain passes to travel to Rawalpindi.

air, but air travel was accessible only to a
Pakistani military and civilian officials. Then,
Dance of Swati Guests with

traditional music at baltit fort 2014
The fastest way to travel was by

few privileged local people and to
with the assistance of the Chinese
government, Pakistan began construction of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which was completed in 1978.
The Karakoram Highway connects Islamabad to Gilgitand Skardu, which are the two major hubs for mountaineering
expeditions in GilgitBaltistan. The journey from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Gilgit takes approximately 20 to 24 hours.
Landslides on the Karakoram Highway are very common. The Karakoram Highway connects Gilgit to Tashkurgan
Town, Kashgar, China via Sust, the customs and healthinspection post on the GilgitBaltistan side, and the
Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world at 4,693 metres (15,397 ft).
Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO) offers bus and jeep transport service to the two hubs and several
other popular destinations, lakes, and glaciers in the area.
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8/27/2016
In March 2006, the respective governments
announced that, commencing on
1 June 2006, a thriceweekly bus service
would begin across the boundary
from Gilgit to Kashgar and roadwidening
work would begin on 600
kilometres (370 mi) of the Karakoram
Highway. There would also be
one daily bus in each direction between the
Sust and Taxkorgan border areas
of the two political entities.
[81]
Pakistan International Airlines used to fly a
Fokker F27 Friendship daily
between Gilgit Airport and Benazir Bhutto
International Airport. The flying
time was approximately 50 minutes, and the
flight was one of the most scenic
in the world, as its route passed overNanga
Parbat, a mountain whose peak is
higher than the aircraft's cruising altitude.
However, the Fokker F27 was
retired after a crash at Multan in 2006.
Currently, flights are being
operated by PIA to Gilgit on the brandnew
ATR 42500, which was purchased
in 2006. With the new plane, the cancellation
of flights is much less frequent.
Pakistan International Airlines also offers
The Karakoram Highway
between Skardu and Islamabad. All flights
regular flights of a Boeing 737

are subject to weather clearance
in winter, flights are often delayed by several days.

A railway through the region has been proposed seeKhunjerab Railway for details.
Demographics
At the last census (1998), the population of GilgitBaltistan was 870,347.[82] Approximately 14% of the population was
urban.[83] The estimated population GilgitBaltistan in 2013 is over 2 million. The population of GilgitBaltistan consists
of many diverse linguistic, ethnic, and religious sects, due in part to the many isolated valleys separated by some of
the world's highest mountains. The ethnic groups includeShins, Yashkuns, Kashmiris,
Kashgaris,Pamiris, Pathans, and Kohistanis.[84] A significant number of people from GilgitBaltistan are resident in
other parts of Pakistan mainly in Punjab and Karachi. The literacy rate of GilgitBaltistan is approximately 72%.
Languages
Gilgit Baltistan is a multi lingual region where Urdubeing a national and official language serves as thelingua franca
for inter ethnic communications. English is co official and also used in education, while Arabic is used for religious
purposes. The table below shows a break up of Gilgit Baltistan first language speakers.
Rank
Language
1998
census,
Shina
38%
Balti
28%
Burushaski
12%
Detail[85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92]
It is spoken by majority in six Tehsils (Gilgit, Diamir/Chilas, Darel/Tangir,
Astore, Puniyal/Gahkuch and Rondu). It is a Dardic Language whose
syntax and structure resembles Punjabi language. [93]
It is spoken by majority in five Tehsils (Skardu/Shigar,Kharmang, Gultari,
Khaplu and Mashabrum). It is from the Tibetan language family and has
Urdu borrowings.
It is spoken by majority in four Tehsils (Nagar 1,Hunza/Aliabad,Nagar II, and
Yasin). It is alanguage isolate that has borrowed considerable Urdu
vocabulary.
14/16
8/27/2016
Khowar
12%
Wakhi
6%
Others
7%
It is spoken by majority in two Tehsils (Gupis and Ishkomen but also spoken
in Yasin and Puniyal/Gahkuch Tehsils). Like Shina, it is a Dardic language
with Persian and Sanskrit influences.
It is spoken by majority in one Tehsil (Gojal but also spoken in Ishkomen
and Yasin Tehsils). It is classified as eastern Iranian/ Pamiri language.
Pashto, Kashmiri,Domaaki (spoken by musician clans in the region) and
Gojrilanguages are also spoken by a significant population of the region.
Religion
The population of GilgitBaltistan is Muslim belonging to different sects
of Islam, the Shia sect being the most common. Gilgit
Baltistan is the only Shia majority area in Sunni majority
Pakistan.[95] People belonging to Shia sect of Islam are in majority in
Skardu district, while Diamir and Astore have Sunni majority,
[94]
SectariandivideofGilgitBaltistan
Sects
Percent
Shia
Sunni
Ismaili
Noorbakhshis
39.85%
30.05%
24%
6.1%
Ghanche have Noorbakhshi and Ghizar have Ismaili majority which is a subsection of Shia Islam. [96] Gilgit and
Hunza Nagar districts have a population belonging to a mix of all these sects. [94]
In 1948, the Shias and Ismailis constituted about 85% of the population. The proportion was brought down by
General Zia ulHaq through a conscious policy of demographic change by encouraging the migration of Sunnis from
other provinces and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The policy is said to have been motivated by a desire
to counter the growing sectarian consciousness of the Shias after the Iranian Revolution in 1979.[97]
Culture
GilgitBaltistan is home of diversified cultures, ethnic groups,
Provincial symbols of GilgitBaltistan

(unofficial)
Provincialanimal
Yak
languages and backgrounds. It is home to people belonging

to all regions of GilgitBaltistan as well as other areas of
Provincialbird
Shaheenfalcon
Pakistan.[98] Major Cultural events include:[98]

Shandoor Polo Festival
Babusar Polo Festival
Provincialtree Quercusilex
JashneBaharan / Harvest Time Festival (Navroz)

Following are the dances of GilgitBaltistan:[98]
ProvincialflowerAquilegiapubiflora
( common
)
Old Man Dance: In this dance more than one person

wears oldstyle dresses.
Cow Boy Dance (Payaloo): In this dance a person
wears old style dress, long leather shoes and a stick in
hand.
15/16
Sword Dance: In this unique dance the participants show taking one sword in right and shield in left. One to
six participants as pair can dance.
See also
ListofmountainsinPakistan
Kashmirconflict
Geographyportal
Asiaportal
SouthAsiaportal
Pakistanportal

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GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mir Ghanzafar Ali[4]

Baltistan (Urdu: ) , formerly known as theNorthern Areas,[8] is the northernmost administrative

GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Between 627 and 645:

The Chinese Buddhist

through this region. From

GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

capture of Ahmad Shah. Ahmad

Shah was forced to accompany Zorawar

Singh on his raid into Western

Tibet. Appointment of Baghwan Singh as

Dogras in Baltistan led by Ali

Khan of Rondu, Haidar Khan ofShigar,

and Daulat Ali Khan from Khaplu.

Capture of the Dogra commander

1842: The second conquest of

Baltistan by the Dogra

Commander Wasir Lakhpat with the

active support of Ali Sher Khan

The last Maqpon Raja Ahmed Shah

the uprising against the Dogra,[26]

Khan from Shigar, one of the leaders of

fortress of Kharphocho. Haidar

(died in prison in Srinagar by

Gosaun was appointed as

GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

to legal representation or a right to appeal.

GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Members of tribes had to obtain prior permission from the police to

GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

divided into three divisions[64]

which, in turn, are divided into ten

districts, consisting of the

four Baltistan districts of

and Ghanche, and the six

of Gilgit, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore,

Hunza andNagar, of which

Map of GilgitBaltistan, showing the boundaries of

tehsils. The boundary between the recently created

GilgitBaltistan Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Geography and climate

thousanders" and to more than

fifty peaks above 7,000 metres (23,000

ft).Gilgit andSkardu are the two

main hubs for expeditions to those

mountains. The region is home to

some of the world'shighest mountainranges.

The main ranges are the

Karakoram and the westernHimalayas. The

Pamir Mountains are to the north,

and the Hindu Kush lies to the west.

Amongst the highest mountains

are K2 (Mount GodwinAusten) and Nanga

Parbat, the latter being one of the

most feared mountains in the world.

the polar regions are found in

GilgitBaltistan: the Biafo Glacier, the Baltoro

Glacier, and the Batura Glacier.

There are, in addition, several highaltitude