Land in Gilgit Baltistan - a bone of contention

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Gilgit-Baltistan, a region that has been under the administration of the Government of Pakistan since 1947, remains a highly contested area with an unclear constitutional status. Recently, she introduced land reform acts in the region without consulting the elected members of the Gilgit Baltistan assembly. This move has been criticized for being undemocratic, as it undermines the region's representation and autonomy.

With the rapidly growing population and the migration of people to urban centers, Gilgit-Baltistan faces a significant challenge in managing the urbanization process. The unplanned and congested urban centers are destroying the natural landscapes and increasing the risk of natural calamities. This situation calls for urgent measures to be taken to address the challenges posed by urbanization, including the development of sustainable and planned urban centers that can support the growing population.

Historically, Gilgit-Baltistan was ruled by small principalities, and the land was divided into two categories - cultivated and uncultivated. Cultivated land was owned by individuals who paid tributes to local Mirs and Rajas, while uncultivated land was collectively owned and distributed among different tribes. However, with the arrival of the Dogra and British in the region, customary laws were not always respected.

The region of Gilgit is divided into six small principalities: Hunza, Nagar, Punial, Yasin, Gilgit, Astore, Darel, and Tangir. Among these, Darel and Tangir were autonomous societies with no centralized authority. In these areas, the head of the tribe, known as Jastaro, was responsible for controlling the people, while the rest of the regions were under the rule of Mirs and Rajas.

When the Mirship was established in these regions in the 12th century, they started cultivating the barren land and distributing it among the people. Over time, this led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity and economic growth in the region. As a result, people got ownership over the land and pastures. 

The Dogra rulers used the term "Khalsa" to celebrate religion and justify their power, which subsequent rulers adopted to legitimize their authority. For instance, Ranjit Singh, a Dogra ruler, used the term Khalsa Sarkar for the lands they occupied in Gilgit and Skardu, where they built their camps and used the land to feed their soldiers and harem. The British were also interested in the small patch of land in the harsh mountain regions and the mysterious stories of the pre-Islamic era and the long life of the mountain people.

In summary, the issues facing Gilgit-Baltistan are complex and require a multifaceted approach to address them effectively. From constitutional challenges to urbanization and land reforms, there is a need for concerted efforts to find lasting solutions that can ensure the sustainable development of the region.

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