Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) remains a critical geopolitical and economic hub of Pakistan, yet it continues to face concerted attempts to destabilize its progress through misinformation and anti-state rhetoric. The recent X Space session hosted by Aun Muhammad Baltistani under the banner of the GB Students Resistance Alliance on February 25, 2025, is a prime example of how subversive elements exploit digital platforms to spread disinformation. The session, laced with misleading claims, attempted to foment unrest among GB’s youth by distorting facts about autonomy, economic development, military presence, and environmental sustainability. A closer examination of these narratives reveals the necessity of countering propaganda with factual evidence and reinforcing the state’s commitment to GB’s progress.
Contrary to the claims made in the X Space session, Gilgit-Baltistan has witnessed considerable autonomy reforms over the years. The 2009 Gilgit-Baltistan Order, introduced by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), marked a historic shift by granting semi-autonomous status to the region with the establishment of a legislative assembly and a chief minister’s office. This was further strengthened by the 2018 Gilgit-Baltistan Order under the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, which abolished the GB Council’s legislative powers and expanded the authority of the local government. These legal and constitutional milestones have empowered the people of GB, ensuring greater political participation and decision-making capacity. The portrayal of GB as an ignored and neglected region is an oversimplification that disregards the tangible advancements made through these governance reforms. While challenges persist, the state’s commitment to addressing them through legislative evolution cannot be dismissed.
One of the major talking points in the X Space session revolved around the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam (DBD), with allegations that local communities have been unfairly deprived of their land. While concerns regarding compensation exist, the reality is that negotiations between the government, WAPDA, and affected residents are ongoing to ensure fair remuneration. The vilification of such a strategic infrastructure project under the pretext of displacement concerns is a clear attempt to hinder national progress by stoking local resentment. The opposition to state-led development initiatives often extends to land reforms in GB, which are painted as exploitative rather than progressive. The proposed land reform bill, set for ratification in the legislative assembly, aims to shift land ownership to the public, ensuring community empowerment and long-term investment opportunities. This move will not only protect local residents from land dispossession but also attract investors, fostering industrial and commercial growth in GB.
Tourism remains a linchpin of GB’s economic sustainability, yet its potential is frequently downplayed by detractors. The government has prioritized infrastructure enhancement to bolster tourism, evident from:
- The expansion of Skardu International Airport, which received its first international flight in August 2023.
- The Naltar Expressway and Gilgit-Shandur Road projects, aimed at improving regional connectivity and facilitating tourist influx.
- The rising number of visitors, with one million tourists in 2024, and a projection of 5 million in 2025.
Tourism is not just an economic driver; it is also a vehicle for cultural preservation and international recognition. CNN’s acknowledgment of GB as home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, enhances its global appeal. Dismissing tourism as a colonial tool is a deliberate attempt to stifle economic opportunities that directly benefit local communities.
A common trope in anti-state discourse is the assertion that Pakistan’s military presence in GB contributes to environmental degradation. Such claims deliberately overlook the fact that Pakistan’s deployment is minimal and solely for security purposes, ensuring regional stability and border protection. A stark contrast can be drawn between Pakistan’s approach and India’s militarization of illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which has turned it into the most militarized zone in the world. India’s heavy military footprint in Siachen Glacier has severely impacted the region’s ecosystem, whereas Pakistan’s forces in GB operate with a security mandate that does not disrupt the environment.
The dissemination of misinformation through digital platforms such as X Spaces represents a growing challenge in Pakistan’s information warfare landscape. Subversive elements seek to manipulate genuine concerns within GB to advance an anti-state agenda, undermining the very progress that aims to uplift the region. It is imperative for policymakers, media, and the public to counter such narratives with fact-based discourse and development-focused engagement. Pakistan’s commitment to GB’s economic, political, and social empowerment is evident through its ongoing infrastructure projects, energy initiatives, and governance reforms. By reinforcing these efforts, the state can ensure that progress prevails over propaganda and that Gilgit-Baltistan remains a vital contributor to Pakistan’s strategic and economic future.