A series of presentations on the Gilgit-Baltistan region has been initiated by Pamir Media Group. First part of the series is uploaded here. The sources for information have been given at the end of the presentation. More aspects of life in Gilgit-Baltistan region will be covered in the future presentations. You can share your feedback with us by send an email to pamir.times@gmail.com.

1. Understanding
Gilgit – Baltistan
A series of presentations
Compiled for educational purpose by
Pamir Media Group. Constructive feedback is
welcome. Email: pamir.times@gmail.com

2. HISTORY OF THE RULERS
(Part 1)

3. Map
China
India
Afghanistan

4. The people of Gilgit & Baltistan
• Projected population is around 2 million (no
census since 1998)
• Major languages are Shina, Balti, Burushaski,
Wakhi, Khowar, Domaki, Gojri
• Major Islamic sects are Shia, Sunni, Ismaili,
Nurbakhshi.

5. History
• The region’s first settlements
have been traced back to 5,000 BC
(Hunters, cavemen)
• The Era of Megalith Builders from Chitral and
Swat
• Dardic people inhabited the region in 4th
century BC
• Followed by the Scythians, who
introduced Stupas and Kharoshti script,
established trade relations with Taxila

6. • They were followed by the Gondophares branch of
Parthians, deciphered from distinct rock carvings
• The Kushans came in 1 century B.C – they used Gold
for trade and established trade routes
• Persian Sassanis captured the region in 3rd century A.D
• After them, the region was controlled by Hun warriors,
who ruled through local “Rajas”
• After the fall of the Huns, the Rajas became
independent
• From 612 to 750 AD, the areas were ruled by
Patoal Shahi Dynasty who were Budhists
and had close ties with Chinese empire

7. Local dynasties
• Between 7th Century and early 19th century,
parts of the Northern Areas were ruled by
succession of various dynasties including:
• Tarakhans of Gilgit,
• Maghlots of Nagar
• Ayasho of Hunza
• Burshai of Punyal
• Maqpoons of Skardu
• Anchans of Shigar
• Yabgos of Khaplu

8. • In the beginning of 8th century
AD the Trakhan rulers embraced Islam
• In the medieval times, Northern Areas remained
outside Mughal control although Akbar conquered
Kashmir and parts of Baltistan while Gilgit retained
its independent status
• The region came under the control of Dogra rulers of
Kashmir in the 18th century

9. • By the end of 19th century, the British Government
created the Gilgit agency and appointed a political
agent, under a lease agreement with
Maharaja Harising of Kashmir
• In 1947, the people of region
revolted against the Maharaja

10. The State of Gilgit
• On 1st November the state of Gilgit was established
• The state existed for 15 days
• Shah Raees was the President
of the state of Gilgit
• The states of Hunza, Nagar and other
rulers of princely states requested
Pakistan to take control of the region
• The state of Gilgit was abolished on 16th
November 1947 and the
Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) was promulgated
by
Sardar Alam Khan, Pakistan’s political agent, in the
region

11. War of Independence
• The war of independence fought by the
paramilitary Gilgit Scout, with the help of
volunteers, and also supported by the
Pakistan Army continued for more than a
year, resulting in liberation of around 72,000
square miles of land

12. Reforms since 1947 ….
• 1950 The federal Government established the
Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas
(KANA) and transferred the affairs of the Northern
Areas to the Ministry
• 1967 Two local political agents were appointed, one
each from Gilgit and Baltistan
• 1970 Northern Areas Advisory Council was formed,
having 16 members
• 1974 Bhutto announced creation
of Ghizar and Ghanche districts.
Abolished state of Hunza and
the black law called FCR

13. • 1977 General Zia-ul-Haq imposed
Martial Law in Pakistan and the GB was
declared as Zone-E, reps appointed to Majlis-e-Shura
• 1985 Aga Ahmad Ali Shah, a local, appointed as
Advisor to KANA Minister
• 1988 Qurban Ali became advisor to the PM
• 1994 Benazir introduced Legal Framework Order 1994
through which Northern Areas Rules of Business were
Framed, Chief Secretary and Civil
Secretariats were established.
Chief Court was established

14. • 1999 LFO of 1994 was
amended by Musharraf
empowering the Northern
Areas Legislative Council
(NALC) to legislate on 49 subjects
• 2005 Northern Areas Court of appeals
established. Seats for technocrats and women
added to the council
• 2006 Six advisors were added to the NALC
and their salaries and privileges were also
increased

15. • 2007 Northern Areas Legal
Framework Order 1994 was renamed as
Northern Areas Governance Order 1994 and
amended. Similarly NALC was renamed as
Northern Areas Legislative Assembly
• 2009 Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-
Governance Order 2009 was signed by President Zardari.
Through this, the region was renamed as Gilgit-Baltistan,
the institutions of GB Council, GB Legislative Assembly and
the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan were
formed.
• The position of Governor, Chief Minister, Ministers and
advisors were also created.

16. • The region is still being run through the KANA
Division
• GB Council has most of the powers, headed by
the PM of Pakistan

17. Current political setup
• Governor Syed Pir Karam
Ali Shah
• Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah
• Speaker Wazir Baig
• Deputy Speaker Jamil Ahmed

18. Current Administrative Divisions
Gilgit Division
• District Gilgit
• District Ghizar
• District Hunza-Nagar
Baltistan Division
• District Skardu
• District Ghanche
Diamer Division
• District Astore
• District Diamer

19. Resources used
• Northern Areas of Pakistan-Facts, Problems and Recommendations
(Institute of Policy Studies)
• The Gilgit-Baltistan Reforms 2009 (by Altaf Hussain)
• Global Security Report on Gilgit-Baltistan
• Discord in Pakistan’s Northern Areas (ICG report)
• A socio-political study of Gilgit-Baltistan Province (BZU publication)
Disclaimer 1: The data and historical accounts are being presented with a positive
intention, i.e. education and generating a debate. The makers of this presentation are
not responsible for any factual or historical anomaly.

20. Websites consulted
• http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/fana.htm
• www.gilgitbaltistanscouts.gov.pk
• www.wikipedia.org
Disclaimer 2: The photographs in this presentation have been used for educational
purpose alone. The copyrights remain with the original owners.