THE land of Gilgit-Baltistan is under Islamabad’s administrative control. It is surrounded by Afghanistan, China and Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Formerly known as the Northern Areas, the region is a part of the Kashmir issue.

Gilgit-Baltistan attained freedom from Dogra tyranny in November 1947. They feel that they have been isolated and stripped of their rights. Our wish to be made a province of Pakistan has not been granted.

In the past 70 years, Gilgit-Baltistan has given much to Pakistan in both human and natural resources. This is a beautiful, unique region with much tourism potential. The second highest mountain in the world, K2, is located here.

It is the land of Gilgit-Baltistan that allows Pakistan to have a close relationship with China by providing the route for commerce and communication.

What have the people of Gilgit-Baltistan received in return? Sectarian violence has pitched the local people against one another. When we demand our fair share in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, we are branded rebels and traitors. Many locals are facing terrorism charges.

Many in Gilgit-Baltistan feel that Islamabad’s policies are unfair to our people, who have done so much for Pakistan. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan want their rights, a fair share of the development of our region, and the right to choose our future.

We request all of this peacefully and expect only fairness and humanity.

We trust Pakistan will do the right thing. Pakistan Zindabad!

Aafaq Ahmed

Gilgit-Baltistan

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2017