CSS Current Affairs Geostrategic Importance of Gilgit Baltistan: ENSEMBLE CSS

 

CSS Current Affairs Geostrategic Importance of Gilgit Baltistan: ENSEMBLE CSS 

What is the geostrategic importance of Gilgit Baltistan? How is the constitutional status of Gilgit Baltistan affecting its political participation?

Outline

·        Introduction

·        Geostrategic location of Gilgit Baltistan (GB)

·        status of GB and its significance

·        Historical background

·        Current status

·        Recommendations to uplift and enhance the mainstream of GB

·        Critical analysis

·        Conclusion

Introduction

while history has been unkind to Pakistan, its geography has been its greatest benefit. it has a resource rich area in the northwest, and people rich in the northeast (Stephen cohen)

the Geo strategic location of an area depends on two domains; geopolitical and geoeconomics. These two men determine the impact of politics and economy on the geography of a country. The Geostrategic location has a great impact on the economy. For instance, Pakistan is a landlord country. It has fewer opportunities to boost its economy than sea-bordered countries like the USA, Asia, and China.

status of GB and its significance

GB has been a significant strategic area since ancient times. It is a gateway between China, Asia and South Asia. It is located in a triangle of three nuclear powers: Pakistan, India, and China. The same is the situation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It is important for Pakistan and India in terms of military and Pakistan and China in terms of economy.

The Geostrategic significance of GDB is not new. It is old for 220 years. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, India did brutal militant acts to let down Pakistan. The best example is its aggressive steps for occupied Jammu and Kashmir and militant attacks on Siachenthe glacier.

CSS Current Affairs Geostrategic Importance of Gilgit Baltistan: ENSEMBLE CSS 

historical background

1.      It is the safest area in the region because mountains surround it.

2.      Before the 19th century, it was considered a fort for this area in the region.

3.   Traders from Kashmir and Central Asia used it for their militant in regions to western and northern areas.

4.      British rulers also initiated their military intelligence missions from there to monitor the Russian movements.

5.      Thus, this region worked as a fort against external attackers and a trade corridor from central Asia to south Asia.

Current status

Currently, this land is working as a survival and revival zone for Pakistan. It is not only functioning as A trade corridor (CPEC) But has a wide range of impacts on regional politics and the world's great game. Hence it is famous in terms of the logistic hub, Geo strategic, geopolitical, and end geoeconomics. However, G's disputed nature is another prominent feature of this land.

Factors affecting the progress of GB

, like all mountainous regions of Hindu kush Himalaya, GB is facing environmental and political issues.

Political issues

1.      The people of GB have opposed integration with Azad Kashmir. They desire Pakistani citizenship and constitutional status for their region.

2.      Since 1947 the people of GB have been struggling for their political and constitutional status.

3.      After a long time, in 2016, the GB was mentioned by name in Pakistan's constitution.

4.      The literacy rate is high in GB, but due to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, they are struggling for their identity for fear of domination by Kashmiris.

5.      GB has never been integrated into the Pakistan government. Therefore, they do not participate in the constitutional politics of Pakistan.

6.      In 2009 by the president of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, the GB was considered a de facto province. Since it is neither a province nor a state.

CSS Current Affairs Geostrategic Importance of Gilgit Baltistan: ENSEMBLE CSS 

environmental issues

1.      climate change is a major issue that is affecting GB. It is a mountainous region, and a very cold climate stuck people to their livelihood rather than political development.

2.      Glacial melting is another issue adversely affecting GB. this may lead to flooding and harm residents.

3.   Internal migration: climate change and glacial melting lead to the internal migration of people and force them to live nomadic life. This keeps them one step back as compared to other people of Pakistan.

4.    Food insecurity: climate change and extreme weather increase food insecurity in GB. this leads to critical conditions for living.

5.      Natural disaster: GB is safe from external attack due to its geostrategic location but is more vulnerable to natural disasters. The current disaster reported by PDMA on 7th May 2022 must be a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), resulting in massive damage to infrastructure.

Recommendations to uplift the mainstream of GB

1.    Instead of providing de facto province-like status must be given a provincial or state status.

2.      Pakistan's government must focus on GB's infrastructure and tourism sectors. This will help to boost the economy of Pakistan.

3.      Health and education are the major sectors to be improved because these are the basic needs of human beings.

4.      GB is full of natural resources, particularly water resources. This can be used for electricity production. The government of Pakistan must initiate plans for socioeconomic development for GB.

5.      GB is a gateway between Central Asia and South Asia for trade. Suppose it will be used for beneficial purposes with development. It will increase the economy of Pakistan.

CSS Current Affairs Geostrategic Importance of Gilgit Baltistan: ENSEMBLE CSS 

Critical analysis

GB would be fruitful for the economy of Pakistan if it integrated into Pakistan improperly. After mentioning the name of GB in the constitution of Pakistan, it must be given our provincial status like other provinces of Pakistan. This will boost the economy of Pakistan in such a way that under-trade done by GB into Central Asia can benefit Pakistan.

Conclusion:

 GB has a most significant geostrategic location. It is not only important for Pakistan but also for Central Asia and South Asia. Historically, the British empires used it for their militant and political purposes, but now it brings a bright future for the economy of Pakistan. The government of Pakistan must take extra measures to reduce these hurdles and make it a productive province. The government of Pakistan empowered the people of GB by giving them political status.

A cult is a religion without political power (Tom Wolfe)

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