Gilgit Baltistan (GB) stands out as an unparalleled natural beauty that has great geostrategic importance. It is situated in the northern area of Pakistan and bordering with China and Afghanistan. Its strategic location makes it a main gateway to Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. It is an important crossroads for trade routes connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and China. The Karakoram Highway (KKH) passes through the region to connect Pakistan with China’s Xinjiang province. The region also serves as a gateway for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), enhancing trade and connectivity between the two countries, and is considered a hub for trade and economic activities.

Historically, Gilgit Baltistan was ruled by various dynasties in ancient times. In the early 19th century, it was a part of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh but later fell under British control following the empire’s decline. In 1846, the Treaty of Amritsar ceded Gilgit to the Dogra Dynasty of Jammu and Kashmir, where it remained under Dogra rule for a century. However, in 1947, amidst India and Pakistan’s independence from British rule, Gilgit-Baltistan became embroiled in conflict. A rebellion by the Gilgit Scouts led to the region’s incorporation into Pakistan, though it lacked full constitutional status and was controlled by the federal government.

Over time, the region saw various administrative changes, including limited autonomy granted in 1970 and........

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