Unheard voices of Gilgit Baltistan.

Written By : Faislan Shafa Isfahani

(The writer is a Historian and Columnist from Gilgit Baltistan)

Gilgit-Baltistan, a territory that attracts both domestic and foreign tourists, is a disputed region according to the resolutions of the United Nation's Security Council, but since 1947, it has been administered by Pakistan. Even after 76 years of independence from Dogra Raj, the representatives of Pakistan have not been able to fulfill the basic demands of the people of this disputed territory. It is no secret that in every era, the beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan has overshadowed the grievances of its people. While facing decades of misery, the representatives of Pakistan have completely failed to resolve the issues that create troubles for the locals. During the hot summer days, the business community of Gilgit-Baltistan has been protesting for the past two weeks against the illicit collection of federal taxes on items traded with China. To draw attention and to create a major impact through protest, people blocked the Karakoram Highway. Due to the blockage of the KKH, normal trade activities and travel between China and Pakistan have been badly affected. Earlier, a clash had erupted between traders and the administration, with people not accepting taxes on trade items from China. The case was brought to court to determine the legal viewpoint. When the case was heard by the Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan, regarding whether the FBR can impose taxes on items imported from China, the Chief Court categorically ruled against the tax collection, saying that federal bodies have no right to impose income tax and sales tax on locals. Vividly, after the ruling from the highest court of Gilgit-Baltistan, imposing taxes on locals by federal bodies is against the law. A few months earlier, another major event related to the wheat subsidy and load shedding motivated people during the winter to come out of their homes for their rights. However, the bitter reality is that outsiders rarely try to understand the internal struggles of this territory, where the people of Gilgit-Baltistan live. Similarly, outsiders have never truly looked at the struggle of the people of this beautiful land, Gilgit-Baltistan, for their fundamental and constitutional rights. On the surface, Gilgit-Baltistan appears to be a heaven for its beauty, but the secrets behind its beauty are known only to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. There are myriad and indelible grievances that the territory holds toward the center. Previous demonstrations erupted for the revival of the wheat subsidy and against load shedding. Amidst this, the situation got out of control, and people were demanding a subsidy on 14 items rather than just the wheat subsidy. Human history is full of examples where common people rose up for their fundamental rights; the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution are renowned examples of how common people overthrew strong dynasties that had ruled for centuries. Such was the power of common people that they changed the shape of the world. Unfortunately, federal bodies are introducing controversial laws in Gilgit-Baltistan that really disturb the equilibrium of society. The foremost and pivotal things the government of Pakistan must understand are: why do people across Pakistan start demonstrations?. What are the key reasons that compel youth, teenagers, and widows with their children to come outside to gain the government's attention for their basic necessities?. Unequivocally, at the time of the annexation of Gilgit-Baltistan with Pakistan, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan unconditionally surrendered their sovereignty to Pakistan. This was a sign of love and loyalty from the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their homeland, Pakistan, but the representatives of Pakistan have never succeeded in meeting the criteria of the envisaged idea of a Pakistani state that was in the minds of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan at the time of annexation. It is the need of the hour to treat Gilgit-Baltistan as a special territory for maintaining trade activities with China through the Khunjerab Pass. Disappointingly, the world is passing through phases of modernization and development, but still, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are raising vociferous voices for their constitutional and fundamental rights. It would not be wrong to say that Pakistan is a place where people have to come to the streets and raise slogans for their basic rights rather than for comforts and luxuries. Consequently, except for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, it is implausible for outsiders to understand how much prosperity and marginalization exist in Gilgit-Baltistan. Hope is the greatest force that give reason of living in this universe and GB people are very optimistic and they still believe in revival of that force.

__ The Writer is a Historian and Columnist from Gilgit Baltistan__