National Front of Balawaristan facts for kids

The Balawaristan National Front is a political group formed on December 28, 1989. Its first chairman was Nawaz Khan Naji. The group was reorganized on July 30, 1993.

In 1947, when Pakistan became independent, most people in the Gilgit-Baltistan area were Shia Muslims. Over time, more Sunni Kashmiris and other Pakistanis moved into the area. This led to some disagreements, even though Shia Muslims are still the largest group.

In 2008, a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said that Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which includes Gilgit-Baltistan, was not considered "free."

Self-Rule in Gilgit-Baltistan

In 2009, a new law called the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order Act was passed. This law gave the region self-rule for the first time in its history. It also allowed for an elected group of lawmakers.

However, India protested this change. India believes that Gilgit-Baltistan is part of the former Princely state of Kashmir and Jammu. India considers this area to be an important part of its own territory.