Before Grievances turninto Ethno-political Violence

The Case of Balawaristan National Front

Abstract

The region of Gilgit-Baltistan is a de facto constitutional and de jure administrative part of Pakistan. Since the annexation of the region with Pakistan in 1947 several reforms have gradually been introduced to uplift the region at par with other provinces of the country, however, still there remain inequalities in terms of socio-economic indicators in addition to constitutional and identity lacuna. Political struggle to address the prevailing issues by mainstream political parties of Pakistan as well as local indigenous political parties simultaneously shape the emerging political dynamics in Gilgit-Baltistan. To ensure stable integration of the region into the constitution of Pakistan requires concrete political empowerment of the region through democratic inclusive institutions in the region.