Balawaristan National Front
The party was formed on December 28, 1989 under the Chairmanship of Nawaz Khan Naji. It was first reorganized on July 30, 1993. In 1947, at the time of Independence of Pakistan, the people of the area were predominantly Shia Muslims. However, over the years, the ethnic composition has changed as Sunni Kashmiri and other Pakistanis have settled in this area, leading to discontent – although Shias remain the outright majority.[citation needed] A 2008 report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees determined that Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which included Gilgit-Baltistan, was 'Not Free'. In 2009, as part of Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order Act of 2009, the region was granted self-rule for the first time with an elected legislature in its history, despite protests from the Republic of India, which asserts that Gilgit-Baltistan is a part of the former Princely state of Kashmir and Jammu, which they regard as a so-called 'integral part' of India.[1] which illegally regards the disputed region as Indian territory.[2]
References
- ↑ Gilgit-Baltistan is part of Kashmir, asserts India
- ↑ Shigri, Manzar (2009-11-12). "Pakistan's disputed Northern Areas go to polls". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2012-05-31. Unknown parameter
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