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The Gilgit-Baltistan region, a territory disputed between Pakistan and India, has become a focal point of unrest due to a confluence of economic grievances, political marginalization, and perceived exploitation by the Pakistani federal government. The recent protests, which involved the blocking of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), a crucial artery of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), highlight the simmering discontent among the local population. The immediate trigger for the protests was the suspension of trade between Pakistan and China at the Khunjerab Pass since December of the previous year. This suspension has resulted in significant economic hardship for local traders who rely heavily on cross-border commerce. Hundreds of consignments imported from China are reportedly stuck at the Sost Dry Port in Gilgit-Baltistan, with the value of expired goods amounting to billions of rupees. The traders are demanding a “one-time amnesty scheme” to clear these consignments, arguing that the policies of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Customs at Sost Dry Port have effectively “economically murdered” the local populace. They claim that the trade through the Khunjerab Pass is the primary source of income for many in the region, and its suspension has led to widespread unemployment and financial distress.
The protesters' grievances extend beyond the immediate issue of trade suspension. They also express resentment over the “exploitative policies” of the Pakistani government, which they believe disproportionately disadvantage the Gilgit-Baltistan region. A key complaint is that local traders are required to pay all taxes and customs duties on imported goods despite the disputed status of Gilgit-Baltistan. This perceived unfairness is compounded by the fact that the region lacks adequate representation in the Pakistani parliament, making it difficult for local concerns to be effectively addressed. According to Javed Hussain, the president of PML-N Nagar chapter, trade policies at other ports in Pakistan have been eased because those areas have parliamentary representation, a privilege denied to Gilgit-Baltistan. He argues that the government's reluctance to clear the stuck consignments is a sign of its indifference to the plight of the local population. Furthermore, he criticizes the government's willingness to grant amnesty to “high-profile terrorists” while denying a similar concession to traders who are simply seeking to conduct legitimate business. The Gilgit-Baltistan government has acknowledged the protesters' demands as “genuine” but claims that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, further highlighting the complex relationship between the region and the central authorities.
The recent protests are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader pattern of unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan. In April, widespread protests erupted over land and mineral grabs and power outages. Locals voiced strong opposition to the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill, fearing that it would enable the seizure of their land and resources by the Pakistan Army and government. These protests underscored the deep-seated resentment over the perceived exploitation of the region's natural resources without adequate compensation or benefit to the local population. In January, a similar situation occurred when hundreds of trucks with goods were stranded at the CPEC dry port due to a sit-in protest against prolonged power cuts. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges related to infrastructure and basic services in the region, which contribute to the overall sense of marginalization and discontent. The consistent theme running through these protests is a demand for greater autonomy, economic justice, and respect for the rights and interests of the local population.
The strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly its role in the CPEC, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The region serves as a crucial transit route for trade between China and Pakistan, and any disruption to this trade can have significant economic and geopolitical implications. The protests, therefore, pose a challenge to the Pakistani government's efforts to promote the CPEC and strengthen its economic ties with China. The government must address the underlying grievances of the local population in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the CPEC and maintain stability in the region. This requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing the economic concerns of local traders, improving infrastructure and basic services, and granting greater political autonomy to the region. Failure to address these issues could lead to further unrest and instability, undermining the economic and strategic interests of both Pakistan and China.
The situation in Gilgit-Baltistan is further complicated by the unresolved status of the region. India also claims the territory as part of its own, and the ongoing dispute adds to the political tensions and uncertainties in the area. The local population is caught in the middle of this geopolitical rivalry, often feeling marginalized and disenfranchised by both Pakistan and India. Resolving the status of Gilgit-Baltistan through peaceful negotiations and with the participation of the local population is essential for ensuring long-term stability and prosperity in the region. In the meantime, the Pakistani government must take concrete steps to address the immediate grievances of the protesters and demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the lives of the people in Gilgit-Baltistan. This includes providing economic relief to local traders, investing in infrastructure development, and granting greater political representation to the region. By addressing these issues, the government can help to build trust and confidence among the local population and create a more stable and prosperous future for Gilgit-Baltistan.
The protests in Gilgit-Baltistan serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusive governance and equitable economic policies. Ignoring the concerns of marginalized communities can lead to widespread discontent and instability, undermining the overall progress and development of a nation. The Pakistani government must learn from this experience and adopt a more proactive and responsive approach to addressing the needs and aspirations of the people in Gilgit-Baltistan. This requires a shift away from a top-down, centralized approach to governance and towards a more participatory and decentralized model that empowers local communities and gives them a greater say in their own affairs. Only through such a transformation can Pakistan hope to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in Gilgit-Baltistan and other marginalized regions of the country.
The ongoing protests in Gilgit-Baltistan underscore the intricate interplay of economic disparities, political marginalization, and geopolitical tensions that define the region's current predicament. As the local population continues to voice their grievances against what they perceive as exploitative policies and a lack of representation, the Pakistani government faces the daunting task of navigating a complex web of demands and expectations. The suspension of trade at the Khunjerab Pass, while serving as the immediate catalyst for the demonstrations, merely scratches the surface of a deeper-rooted discontent that has been brewing for years. The traders' plea for a 'one-time amnesty scheme' to alleviate the financial burden caused by the stranded consignments reflects a broader sense of economic insecurity and vulnerability that pervades the region.
Beyond the immediate economic concerns, the protests also highlight the underlying issue of political marginalization. The absence of adequate representation in the Pakistani parliament leaves the people of Gilgit-Baltistan feeling unheard and ignored, exacerbating their sense of alienation from the central government. The claim that trade policies are eased in other regions due to their parliamentary representation underscores the perceived inequity in the treatment of Gilgit-Baltistan. The government's reluctance to address the local population's grievances further fuels the perception that their concerns are not being taken seriously. The comparison drawn between the amnesty granted to 'high-profile terrorists' and the denial of a similar concession to struggling traders adds a layer of moral outrage to the protesters' demands.
The recurring protests in Gilgit-Baltistan, whether over land grabs, power outages, or trade policies, point to a systemic problem that requires a comprehensive and long-term solution. The region's strategic importance within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) further amplifies the urgency of addressing these issues. The disruptions caused by the protests not only hinder trade and economic activity but also undermine the government's efforts to promote the CPEC as a symbol of regional connectivity and prosperity. To ensure the smooth functioning of the CPEC and maintain stability in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Pakistani government must adopt a multi-faceted approach that addresses the economic, political, and social needs of the local population. This includes providing targeted economic relief to affected traders, investing in infrastructure development to improve connectivity and access to basic services, and granting greater political autonomy to empower local communities and give them a voice in their own governance.
Moreover, the Pakistani government must engage in a constructive dialogue with the local population to understand their concerns and address their grievances in a transparent and accountable manner. Building trust and fostering a sense of ownership among the people of Gilgit-Baltistan is essential for creating a stable and prosperous future for the region. As the protests continue to unfold, the Pakistani government has a crucial opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive governance and equitable development by responding to the needs and aspirations of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Failure to do so risks further escalating tensions and undermining the long-term stability of the region.
Furthermore, the resolution of the Gilgit-Baltistan issue must be tackled with sensitivity and foresight. International observers have often noted the intricacies of the region’s geopolitical status, and any solutions must acknowledge the historical context and the aspirations of the local population. While economic initiatives like the CPEC can offer pathways to progress, they must be implemented in a manner that is sensitive to local needs and does not exacerbate existing inequalities. The key is to prioritize sustainable development that enhances the quality of life for all residents while preserving the region’s unique cultural and environmental heritage. Moreover, a participatory governance model that allows for greater local autonomy and representation is essential to ensure that decisions are made with the best interests of the community at heart. By adopting a holistic approach that addresses both the immediate grievances and the long-term aspirations of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan can lay the foundation for a more stable, prosperous, and equitable future for this strategically important region.
Source: Why Gilgit-Baltistan protesters have blocked highway linking Pakistan with China