Balochistan, PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan factfile

APOLOGY

In the print version of the article 'Kashmir-Baloch Bhai Bhai', in the Outlook issue dated August 29, 2016, two maps on page 51 inadvertently misrepresent the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The error crept in on account of maps sourced from the internet. Both maps have been removed from the online version of the magazine. The error is deeply regretted.

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Balochistan

Pakistan’s largest (accounts for 44% of the country’s landmass) but least populous province, bordering Afghanistan, Iran, Punjab and Sindh, with the Arabian Sea to its south.

• History Through Treaty of Kalat, accepted British suzerainty in 1876. Acceded to Pakistan on promise of maximum autonomy in 1948

• Gwadar Port Bought in 1958 from Oman, the Gwadar enclave was later merged with Balochistan. The warm water, deep-sea port, developed with Chinese help, is part of China’s maritime Silk Route Project

• Pakistan’s main energy provider The $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Cooridor runs through the province

• Insurgency Baloch insurgency went through phases—1947-48, 1958-59, 1962-63, 1973-77 and dipped thereafter Pervez Musharraf’s use of excessive military force resulted in a spike in insurgency since 2003. Pak authorities have often used their air force against the rebels.

Baloch grievance

• Attempts by Pak govt to change the demography

• Being denied a fair share of the natural gas revenue

• The province remains the most backward of Pakistan

Divided politics

• Grievances notwithstanding, the Baloch are a divided lot
• Some want solution within Pakistan, others call for separation

PoK And Gilgit-Baltistan

• Part of Jammu and Kashmir, this approx. 85,000 sq km region was earlier known as the Northern Areas

• Divided into Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Federally Administered Gilgit-Baltistan in 1970 by Pakistan.

• 5,000 sq km, Shaksgam Valley, given to China.

Background

• Strategic importance lures British to lease the Gilgit Agency from the Maharaja of J&K. British-appointed officer and the Gilgit Scouts look after administration

• After termination of lease in 1947, some officers of Gilgit Scouts try to overthrow the Maharaja’s representative

• Supported by Pakistan-backed raiders, the officers take over the Gilgit Agency

• With parts of Jammu, this area is now under Pakistan’s control

Political implications

• Not included in all previous Kashmir negotiations, Modi’s reference to these areas brings them back into focus of future talks