The Geo-Strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan in the context of One Belt One Road (OBOR)

Abstract

The Geo-Strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan has gained prominence in recent international politics. It is situated in the northern part of Pakistan and consists of 14 districts that share a border with Pakistan, China, and India and indirectly share its border with Russia and Afghanistan. The territory of Gilgit-Baltistan has been disputable between two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan, since their inception from the British Raj. Both India and Pakistan claim the territory as their integral parts. However, the region is now under the jurisdiction of Pakistan's constitution. The region has historical and geographical importance, which is traced back to the ancient silk route, and the region was used by colonial powers for their socioeconomic purposes. The importance of the region has been further increased by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is the Project One Belt, One Road (OBOR), it connects the Chinese economic market with other regions. China, with its economic ambitions to connect Chinese economic firms with other regions of the world, has invested in Gilgit-Baltistan. The region has its importance in international politics because it is considered a gateway to Asia and the world.