5 Misconceptions about Gilgit Baltistan that need to stop

Abid Hussain 

1. Gilgit Baltistan is part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Most Pakistanis think that Gilgit Baltistan is part of KPK. Some even consider GB a tribal area. This misconception is due to some maps showing Gilgit division as Gilgit Agency. But the reality is that Gilgit Baltistan is neither a part of KPK, nor the tribal areas.

2. Gilgit Baltistan is part of Kashmir

Some even thinks that GB is part of Azad Kashmir. This misconception is because of the reasons that some maps show GB as part of the Kashmir. But the reality is that GB is administratively, geographically and culturally not a part of Kashmir.

3. Only one language is spoken in Gilgit Baltistan

Now some thinks people of GB speak one language. No Gilgit Baltistan is ethnically and linguistically diverse. More than 6 languages are spoken in Gilgit Baltistan, including Balti, Shina, Brushaski, Khwar, Wakhi, Gojri and Domaki.

4. Gilgit Baltistan is a province

Some people think that Gilgit-Baltistan is a province. Some think that GB is a state. But the reality is that GB is neither a fully, constitutional, province nor a state. It has a semi-provincial system of governance, with a Governor and a CM, and an elected legislative assembly.

5. People of Gilgit Baltistan want independent state

Due to some posts made on social media by a few nationalists, a small number of people think the GB wants independence. This is NOT true. Completely WRONG. Vast majority of the people in GB are demanding constitutional rights. Their demand is to declare GB a constitutional province of Pakistan.

Abid Hussian is a Computer Sciences student at COMSATS, Wah. Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbidAnchanBalti

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