Challenges to Constitutional Identity of Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract

Humans as social beings tend to form and identify as groups on ethnic, geographic, religious, ideological, linguistic basis, etc. Once such a group identity is formed, those who identify also demand recognition, sometimes for the purpose of prestige and other times for the sake of political representation. Identity in the modern world, premised on the principles of democracy and freedom, is considered a basic human right. Pakistan is also one such state that recognizes people’s right to association. However, in Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan probably is athe only tract of land in comity of nations that, unlike secessionist movements across the globe, has continued to struggle for complete integration with the state of Pakistan. Yet tThe denial of political identity continues even after more than 70 75 years. This study will undertakes a chronological examination of major events and reasons that led to political identity crisis of GB. Federalism as a conflict resolution theory will be, thus, utilized in this study to make a case for G-B’s valid concerns. Henceforth, the political conundrum of Gilgit-Baltistan should reach clarity as further lingering of the conflict will exacerbate into intractable conflictthe overall situation.