Ijlal Haider is an MPhil scholar at the National Institute of Pakistan Studies (NIPS) at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Under the guidance of Dr. Asim Sajjad Akhtar, Ijlal's research focuses on the political economy of Pakistan, people's history, decolonial history, land politics and climate change. He also contributes writings on these topics, particularly on Gilgit Baltistan, for various publishers. Supervisors: Dr Asim Sajjad Akhtar
Today marks the 77th Independence Day of Gilgit Baltistan. Though 77 years have passed since its ... more Today marks the 77th Independence Day of Gilgit Baltistan. Though 77 years have passed since its voluntary accession to Pakistan, the people of Gilgit Baltistan still face an unresolved constitutional deadlock.. Citizens commemorate this day with cultural dances, fireworks, and social media celebrations. However, it should also be a day to honor the sacrifices our ancestors made in the historic Jang-e-Azadi, reflect on the historical injustices faced since independence, and remind government officials of its ongoing negligence.
Pakistan’s tourism industry is rapidly growing, yet women in regions like Gilgit Baltistan face s... more Pakistan’s tourism industry is rapidly growing, yet women in regions like Gilgit Baltistan face significant barriers to participation due to cultural, social, and religious restrictions. Despite tourism's potential to create economic opportunities, women are often excluded, confined to low-paying jobs, or unpaid work within family businesses. Gender-based violence and wage disparity further limit their engagement. To address this, policy reforms, including stronger enforcement of anti-harassment laws, gender-inclusive workshops, and safety measures, are essential. Empowering women in decision-making roles and supporting their entrepreneurial efforts can unlock their potential, contributing to both economic growth and social progress.
Rising temperatures in Gilgit Baltistan are accelerating glacier melt, increasing river flow, and... more Rising temperatures in Gilgit Baltistan are accelerating glacier melt, increasing river flow, and heightening the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), particularly affecting the Shayok River, a major Indus tributary. Recent floods have devastated the Abadan and Gursay valleys, causing severe damage to agriculture, homes, and infrastructure. The failure of existing water barriers and inadequate government response have left these communities highly vulnerable. Urgent action is needed to build effective protective barriers and involve local knowledge in flood management to prevent further devastation. These valleys face existential threats without immediate intervention due to ongoing climate change impacts.
Gilgit Baltistan, nestled between the Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindukush ranges, faces escalatin... more Gilgit Baltistan, nestled between the Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindukush ranges, faces escalating climate change impacts, including flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and severe water shortages. This region, home to over 7.1 million people, is at high risk from these environmental threats, exacerbated by decreased glacier runoff and intense rainfall. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), encompassing traditional practices like weather forecasting and disaster risk management, are crucial for climate resilience. Techniques such as artificial glacier grafting and seasonal migration, developed over centuries, offer valuable solutions. Integrating IKS with modern climate strategies is essential for effective adaptation. Recommendations include documenting traditional knowledge, involving local communities in decision-making, and combining indigenous practices with contemporary methods. The region's unique knowledge and practices must be preserved and supported through adequate funding and education to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and ensure sustainable survival.
Gilgit Baltistan, historically significant and strategically pivotal, remains embroiled in a cons... more Gilgit Baltistan, historically significant and strategically pivotal, remains embroiled in a constitutional crisis due to the Karachi Agreement of April 1949. Signed secretly between Pakistan and Azad Kashmir officials, this agreement transferred administrative control of Gilgit Baltistan to Pakistan but failed to address its political representation, plunging the region into an enduring governance struggle. Despite its historical role in the region's independence from Dogra rule in 1947 and its significant local sentiments towards Pakistan, the people of Gilgit Baltistan have been governed under colonial-era laws and excluded from mainstream political processes. The Karachi Agreement, largely inaccessible and misunderstood, is viewed by many as an unlawful imposition that undermines the region’s autonomy. This article explores the historical context, the impact of the agreement, and the ongoing political disenfranchisement of Gilgit Baltistan's inhabitants, highlighting the need for constitutional reforms and equitable representation.
Today marks the 77th Independence Day of Gilgit Baltistan. Though 77 years have passed since its ... more Today marks the 77th Independence Day of Gilgit Baltistan. Though 77 years have passed since its voluntary accession to Pakistan, the people of Gilgit Baltistan still face an unresolved constitutional deadlock.. Citizens commemorate this day with cultural dances, fireworks, and social media celebrations. However, it should also be a day to honor the sacrifices our ancestors made in the historic Jang-e-Azadi, reflect on the historical injustices faced since independence, and remind government officials of its ongoing negligence.
Pakistan’s tourism industry is rapidly growing, yet women in regions like Gilgit Baltistan face s... more Pakistan’s tourism industry is rapidly growing, yet women in regions like Gilgit Baltistan face significant barriers to participation due to cultural, social, and religious restrictions. Despite tourism's potential to create economic opportunities, women are often excluded, confined to low-paying jobs, or unpaid work within family businesses. Gender-based violence and wage disparity further limit their engagement. To address this, policy reforms, including stronger enforcement of anti-harassment laws, gender-inclusive workshops, and safety measures, are essential. Empowering women in decision-making roles and supporting their entrepreneurial efforts can unlock their potential, contributing to both economic growth and social progress.
Rising temperatures in Gilgit Baltistan are accelerating glacier melt, increasing river flow, and... more Rising temperatures in Gilgit Baltistan are accelerating glacier melt, increasing river flow, and heightening the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), particularly affecting the Shayok River, a major Indus tributary. Recent floods have devastated the Abadan and Gursay valleys, causing severe damage to agriculture, homes, and infrastructure. The failure of existing water barriers and inadequate government response have left these communities highly vulnerable. Urgent action is needed to build effective protective barriers and involve local knowledge in flood management to prevent further devastation. These valleys face existential threats without immediate intervention due to ongoing climate change impacts.
Gilgit Baltistan, nestled between the Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindukush ranges, faces escalatin... more Gilgit Baltistan, nestled between the Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindukush ranges, faces escalating climate change impacts, including flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and severe water shortages. This region, home to over 7.1 million people, is at high risk from these environmental threats, exacerbated by decreased glacier runoff and intense rainfall. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), encompassing traditional practices like weather forecasting and disaster risk management, are crucial for climate resilience. Techniques such as artificial glacier grafting and seasonal migration, developed over centuries, offer valuable solutions. Integrating IKS with modern climate strategies is essential for effective adaptation. Recommendations include documenting traditional knowledge, involving local communities in decision-making, and combining indigenous practices with contemporary methods. The region's unique knowledge and practices must be preserved and supported through adequate funding and education to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and ensure sustainable survival.
Gilgit Baltistan, historically significant and strategically pivotal, remains embroiled in a cons... more Gilgit Baltistan, historically significant and strategically pivotal, remains embroiled in a constitutional crisis due to the Karachi Agreement of April 1949. Signed secretly between Pakistan and Azad Kashmir officials, this agreement transferred administrative control of Gilgit Baltistan to Pakistan but failed to address its political representation, plunging the region into an enduring governance struggle. Despite its historical role in the region's independence from Dogra rule in 1947 and its significant local sentiments towards Pakistan, the people of Gilgit Baltistan have been governed under colonial-era laws and excluded from mainstream political processes. The Karachi Agreement, largely inaccessible and misunderstood, is viewed by many as an unlawful imposition that undermines the region’s autonomy. This article explores the historical context, the impact of the agreement, and the ongoing political disenfranchisement of Gilgit Baltistan's inhabitants, highlighting the need for constitutional reforms and equitable representation.
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