Bangladesh, June 15 -- Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the worlds most forgotten political betrayals. In 1949, Pakistan consolidated control over the region through the so-called “Karachi Agreement,” handing key powers to Islamabad without a single representative from Gilgit-Baltistan at the table. Since then, the region has largely been governed from afar, with locals having little say over decisions affecting their land, resources, and future. The contrast is telling: while Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir witnessed twelve elections from 1951 onwards, Gilgit-Baltistan has seen only three general elections in over seven decades, underscoring the persistent deficit in political representation.

Today, that frustration is fueli...