Gilgit Agency facts for kids
Gilgit Agency (Urdu: گلگت آگنکے) was a special area in the northern part of Kashmir. From 1947 to 1970, it was managed by Pakistan, almost like its own territory. Later, this area became part of what is now known as Gilgit-Baltistan.
The government in Islamabad directly looked after Gilgit Agency. It was separate from nearby regions like Azad Kashmir and the old princely states, such as Hunza-Nagar District. The Agency covered the traditional region of Gilgit.
Gilgit Agency shared borders with several important places. To the northeast, it touched the Sinkiang region of China. To the south, it bordered the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Baltistan was to its east, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was to its west. Both India and Pakistan consider the regions of Gilgit and Baltistan to be disputed. This means they are technically part of the larger, divided State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Important Towns
The main towns in Gilgit Agency were Gilgit and Skardu. A smaller town called Ghyari was also important, especially for Shia Muslims. This is because it was the site of a mosque built by Sayyid Ali Hamadani. He was a Persian traveler from the 1300s who helped bring Islam to the region.
Images for kids
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Present day Gilgit-Baltistan
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British Westland Wapiti planes at an airfield in Gilgit around 1930
