Development in Gilgit-Baltistan cannot wait for political solutions- we must act today while advocating for a better tomorrow.
I was born and raised in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region of breathtaking natural beauty but also one of Pakistan’s most geographically isolated and underdeveloped areas. Living in these mountains has taught me resilience, but it has also shown me the many hardships our communities face every day. The combination of difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure, political uncertainty because of our disputed status, and the growing impacts of climate change has created enormous challenges for the people who call this region home.
Over the years, I have come to believe that while we must continue advocating for our political rights, we cannot afford to wait for political solutions before addressing people’s immediate needs. Families need livelihoods today. Young people need opportunities today. Communities need protection from environmental disasters today.
This belief has shaped my life’s work.
I consider myself a progressive rights activist, committed both to social justice and practical community development. Alongside raising my voice for the political rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, I have devoted my time to strengthening local communities through civil society initiatives. I served as President of the Karimabad Town Management Society (2014–2018), have been Chairman of the Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO) since 2020, and have served as Lamberdar of Karimabad, Hunza, since 2004.
Building Resilient Communities Through Local Leadership and Collective Action
Throughout these roles, my work has focused on several interconnected priorities. Environmental conservation and climate resilience have become increasingly urgent as glaciers melt, weather patterns become more unpredictable, and mountain communities face new environmental risks. At the same time, I have worked to improve livelihood opportunities because economic security remains the foundation of community wellbeing.
Another priority has been supporting persons with disabilities, ensuring that development efforts are inclusive and leave no one behind. I have also worked to preserve and promote our traditional arts and crafts, recognizing that our cultural heritage is not only a source of identity but also an important contributor to local livelihoods and tourism. Above all, I believe in strengthening civil society and nurturing indigenous leadership at the grassroots level so that communities themselves become drivers of sustainable development.
Achieving these goals requires strong partnerships. We depend on collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, international development partners, the Aga Khan Development Network, the corporate sector, and, most importantly, the spirit of local volunteerism. Each has an important role to play, but greater coordination, long-term commitment, and investment in community-led initiatives would significantly strengthen welfare outcomes.
Despite our efforts, significant barriers remain. Rural and remote communities continue to experience unequal access to services and opportunities. Persons with disabilities often struggle to obtain the support they need, while many young people face unemployment despite their talent and potential. These inequities continue to limit inclusive development across the region.
Financial sustainability is another ongoing challenge. Civil society organizations often rely on project- based funding, making it difficult to sustain long-term initiatives. Accountability and transparency are essential to maintaining public trust, yet they require consistent institutional support and adequate resources.
External factors also have a profound influence on whether welfare initiatives succeed. Environmental uncertainty, natural disasters, and economic instability frequently disrupt development efforts. These challenges remind us that welfare cannot be viewed in isolation—it must be integrated into broader strategies for resilience and sustainable development.
Creating a Sustainable Future: From Immediate Relief to Lasting Prosperity
At the same time, I remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead. Digital technologies are opening new possibilities for education, entrepreneurship, and service delivery, even in remote mountain communities. Investment in research, skills training, and capacity building can prepare our youth for emerging opportunities. If border trade through the Khunjerab Pass continues to expand and tourism is responsibly developed, these sectors could generate significant employment and economic prosperity for local communities.
Looking ahead, I believe future development in Gilgit-Baltistan should prioritize five strategic areas: digital livelihoods, sustainable tourism and border trade, climate change adaptation, sustainable urban planning, and clean energy generation. These sectors have the potential to transform the region while preserving its unique environmental and cultural heritage.
One lesson I have learned throughout my journey is that development cannot succeed without the meaningful participation of local communities. Policies designed without community voices rarely produce lasting change. Welfare initiatives must therefore be participatory, inclusive, and rooted in local knowledge and leadership.
Finally, I would like to emphasize one important reality. While non-governmental organizations play an essential role in responding to immediate needs and piloting innovative solutions, their interventions are often limited in scale and duration. Lasting prosperity can only be achieved through people-centred government policies, sustained public investment, and long-term development planning. Governments have the responsibility and capacity to create the structural changes needed to reduce vulnerability, strengthen resilience, and ensure that future generations inherit a safer, more prosperous Gilgit-Baltistan.
That is the future I continue to work towards every day.
For more information about efforts by The Karakoram Area Development Organization visit: