0History has a way of laying bare what is hidden or suppressed by individual and collective memory and intrinsic unity in division that no amount of mechanical cartography can face. Political accommodations and social harmony seem like a distant dream in the midst of the bitter feud between Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. With a history marred by complexity and controversy, both regions have been left to suffer the consequences of neglect and underdevelopment. Sadly, instead of uniting against their shared challenges, they remain locked in a damaging cycle of distrust and division. Commentators on GB see AJK as a barrier to progress, while the AJK leadership fears any legal arrangement for GB would jeopardise the greater Kashmir cause. As historical grievances, political disputes, and poor communication continue to fuel this toxic dynamic, the dream of peace and development in these regions seems more elusive than ever.
For seven decades, this territorial and legal dispute has been a hindrance to significant socio-economic progress in these affected regions. This missed potential necessitates policymakers and civil society actors to collaborate, facilitate dialogue, and promote a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity. While maintaining their political positions, the regions must transcend polarising and insular attitudes and embrace a shared agenda to tackle their common challenges. It is imperative that they move beyond rhetoric and radical views to achieve a sustainable resolution.
The joint press conference a few months before held by the Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan and Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where they pledged to initiate various infrastructure development projects, including the construction of the Shoonter tunnel, the establishment of a bus service, and the building of GB and Kashmir Houses in their respective territories, presents a positive step forward for the two regions. However, it is imperative that the leaders move beyond mere symbolic gestures and political optics and take concrete actions to ensure the successful completion of these initiatives. The populations of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have long faced political and economic challenges, and the realisation of these proposed projects would be a crucial step towards alleviating some of these difficulties. As such, it is essential that both leaders prioritise the implementation of these initiatives and work towards overcoming any obstacles that may arise during their execution, in order to deliver meaningful change for the people they represent.
Promoting social and political accommodations between Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir can be an effective way to address the challenges faced by these regions. Social accommodations can be achieved through initiatives such as cultural and educational exchanges, interfaith dialogue, and promoting people-to-people contact. Meanwhile, political accommodations can be made by creating institutions and policies that represent the diversity of the regions and ensure the participation of all communities in the decision-making process. Such measures can help to build trust and foster cooperation, leading to greater social harmony and political stability in these regions.
What could be the possible framework?
The pursuit of social and political accommodations for Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir requires a thorough consideration of the various interests and perspectives of the key stakeholders involved. These stakeholders include the federal government, political leaders, civil society organisations, and the security establishment. By understanding their priorities and concerns, strategies can be developed to address the challenges faced by these regions and facilitate meaningful progress.
The federal government’s primary interest is maintaining bureaucratic control over the regions while ensuring they remain within Pakistan’s sphere of influence. Meanwhile, political leaders aim to gain more autonomy and representation within the federal government and improve social and economic conditions in the regions. Civil society organisations advocate for greater political and social accommodations to improve representation and autonomy for the people.
The security establishment prioritises maintaining law and order in the regions, which may conflict with political and social accommodations. To ensure that the regions receive the accommodations they deserve, it is essential to consider the diverse interests and perspectives of each stakeholder and collaborate to develop policies that reflect the diversity of the regions.
By working together, we can build trust, promote dialogue, and develop policies that address the challenges faced by these regions. Only through collaborative efforts can we ensure the people of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir receive the representation and autonomy they deserve.
Indeed, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have immense potential for tourism. The shortest route from Muzaffarabad to Astor in Gilgit Baltistan could be an excellent avenue for development and facilitate tourism between the two regions. However, there are other accommodations that could be considered to enhance the tourism industry in the area further.
One such accommodation is the development of infrastructure, such as building new roads, airports, and improving communication networks. The regions’ tourism industry could also benefit from investing in new hotels, restaurants, and other related services. In addition to the development of infrastructure, there could be a focus on promoting the unique cultural heritage and natural beauty of the regions to attract more tourists. This could involve developing tourism packages that showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of the area and organising events that promote local arts, crafts, and cuisine.
It is essential to recognise that one region’s development should not be a barrier to the other’s progress, and instead, both regions should seek to cooperate on areas of common interest and grow together.
Many examples from around the world demonstrate the benefits of social and political accommodations between regions. The European Union, for instance, has brought together countries with diverse cultures and interests and created a framework for cooperation and collaboration. The EU’s policies have promoted economic growth, free trade, and the free movement of people, resulting in benefits for all member states.
Similarly, in Africa, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has created a framework for regional integration, trade, and economic growth. By promoting cooperation and collaboration between African countries, the AfCFTA aims to boost intra-African trade, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic development.
The social and political accommodations between Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir could help both regions realise their full potential and facilitate economic growth. By working together and cooperating on areas of common interest, while keeping their principle political stance intact both regions can create a framework for sustainable development and progress, benefiting not only themselves but the wider country as well.
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The opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Research Society of International Law (RSIL), its editorial team, or its affiliated organizations. Moreover, the articles are based upon information the authors consider reliable, but neither RSIL nor its affiliates warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such.
A good article addressing the issues.
After the construction of Shoonter tunnel and establishment of bus service , one may think of addressing the socio-economic grievances of both region.
For tourism enhancement, the Shoonter tunnel project should be initiated as soon as possible. It could benefit both regions socially and economically.