Land Reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan

Outline

1. Introduction

2. Historical Background of Land Tenure in Gilgit-Baltistan

3. Concept and Purpose of Land Reforms

4. Land Ownership Patterns in Gilgit-Baltistan

5. Major Land Issues in GB

6. Government Initiatives and Proposed Reforms

7. Socio-Political Challenges to Land Reforms

8. Implications of Land Reforms on Society and Governance

9. Comparative Perspective: Land Reforms in Other Regions of Pakistan

10. Future Prospects and Recommendations

11. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Land is not merely a physical asset; it is the foundation of economic stability, political authority, and social identity. In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) — a strategically located mountainous region at the crossroads of South and Central Asia — land has historically represented power, prestige, and livelihood. However, despite its immense importance, GB’s land ownership system has remained deeply rooted in pre-modern structures, traditional authority, and administrative ambiguities. The absence of a comprehensive land reform policy has perpetuated inequality, administrative conflicts, and socio-economic stagnation.

Land reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan are therefore not just an economic imperative but also a constitutional and developmental necessity. They hold the potential to empower marginalized groups, improve agricultural productivity, ensure equitable resource distribution, and integrate GB more effectively into Pakistan’s constitutional and economic mainstream.

2. Historical Background of Land Tenure in Gilgit-Baltistan

Before the annexation of the region into Pakistan’s administrative framework, the area that now constitutes Gilgit-Baltistan was governed by local rajas, mirs, and tribal elites, particularly in Hunza, Nagar, and Baltistan. Land ownership was traditionally concentrated in the hands of these ruling families, who controlled vast tracts under feudal arrangements. The serf-like peasantry cultivated the land and paid taxes or services to these landlords.

After the liberation of GB from Dogra rule in 1947, the region came under federal administrative control, yet the feudal structures remained largely intact. Unlike the rest of Pakistan, where land reforms of the 1950s, 1970s, and 1980s attempted to break feudal control, no systematic reforms were introduced in Gilgit-Baltistan. This historical oversight laid the foundation for today’s complex disputes over ownership, boundaries, and the state’s authority over land.

3. Concept and Purpose of Land Reforms

Land reforms are legislative and administrative measures designed to redistribute land ownership and regulate land use to promote social justice and economic efficiency. Their objectives include:

Abolishing feudal privileges and landlordism

Providing ownership rights to cultivators

Preventing concentration of land in a few hands

Promoting equitable access to land resources

Modernizing agriculture and encouraging investment

In the context of GB, land reforms are particularly essential due to the absence of clear land records, overlapping claims between the state and locals, and the growing need for urban development and industrialization linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

4. Land Ownership Patterns in Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan presents a unique and complex land tenure system, primarily categorized into three types:

1. Private or Community-Owned Land:

Much of the cultivated and habitable land is owned collectively by local tribes or families under customary rights. There are rarely formal titles or records.

2. State Land:

The federal and regional governments claim ownership over large portions of uncultivated, forested, or mountainous areas, leading to disputes with local communities.

3. Disputed and Unregistered Land:

In many valleys, no formal demarcation exists between private and state land. This ambiguity has become a flashpoint for conflicts, particularly where development projects or military installations are planned.

5. Major Land Issues in GB

1. Lack of Land Record System:

Unlike other provinces, GB lacks a computerized or even manual revenue and registry system, resulting in overlapping claims and illegal occupations.

2. State vs. Public Ownership Conflict:

Locals often reject the state’s ownership claims over vast areas, arguing that their ancestors have historically held customary rights.

3. CPEC and Development Disputes:

As CPEC-related projects expand, disputes over compensation, displacement, and ownership have intensified.

4. Absence of Legal Framework:

Since GB is not a constitutional province of Pakistan, national land and property laws do not fully apply there.

5. Inequality in Access:

Elite groups and politically connected individuals often acquire prime land through influence, leaving small farmers vulnerable.

6. Government Initiatives and Proposed Reforms

The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, with support from federal agencies, has initiated several steps to address land issues, though comprehensive reforms remain pending. Key measures include:

Draft Land Settlement Act:

Aimed to survey, map, and record all land holdings to establish a formal land record system.

Land Commission Formation:

Proposed establishment of a GB Land Commission to mediate disputes and recommend redistribution where necessary.

Digitization Projects:

Efforts to create digital cadastral maps under the Survey of Pakistan initiative.

Community Dialogues and Consultations:

In some districts like Skardu and Ghizer, community elders and government teams are negotiating ownership boundaries.

However, these efforts face resistance due to mistrust, lack of legal clarity, and fear among locals that reforms might legitimize the state’s ownership over traditional community lands.

7. Socio-Political Challenges to Land Reforms

1. Constitutional Ambiguity:

GB’s semi-autonomous status prevents full application of Pakistan’s land laws.

2. Local Resistance:

Communities suspect that reforms are designed to dispossess them rather than empower them.

3. Political Exploitation:

Land issues are often manipulated by local and national politicians for electoral gains.

4. Administrative Weakness:

Limited capacity and training of revenue departments delay progress.

5. Ethnic and Regional Sensitivities:

Balancing land allocation among various sectarian and ethnic groups remains delicate.

8. Implications of Land Reforms on Society and Governance

If implemented transparently and fairly, land reforms can bring multiple benefits to GB:

Economic Empowerment: By granting ownership to cultivators and small farmers, agricultural productivity can increase.

Conflict Resolution: Proper documentation reduces inter-tribal and state-community disputes.

Investment Promotion: Legal clarity encourages domestic and foreign investment.

Social Justice: Redistribution reduces inequality and enhances inclusivity.

Governance Strengthening: Establishing formal records supports taxation, planning, and development programs.

9. Comparative Perspective: Land Reforms in Other Regions of Pakistan

While Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa implemented various land reforms between 1959 and 1977, GB remained excluded. For instance:

Ayub Khan’s Reforms (1959) capped land holdings.

Bhutto’s Reforms (1972 & 1977) attempted redistribution to peasants.

In contrast, GB’s non-provincial status and traditional governance systems prevented similar reforms, leading to unequal modernization and administrative lag.

10. Future Prospects and Recommendations

1. Constitutional Integration:

Grant GB provisional provincial status to enable enforcement of national land laws.

2. Establishment of a Land Reform Commission:

Include representatives of all districts and communities for consensus-driven reforms.

3. Comprehensive Land Survey and Digitization:

Modern GIS-based mapping to register ownership and boundaries.

4. Public Awareness and Dialogue:

Educate communities about the benefits of reform and ensure their participation.

5. Transparent Dispute Resolution Mechanism:

Independent tribunals to address land conflicts fairly.

6. Environmental Sustainability:

Ensure reforms align with ecological preservation, especially in fragile mountain ecosystems.

11. Conclusion

Land reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan are not merely about property redistribution — they are about justice, empowerment, and nation-building. Without equitable and transparent land management, GB cannot achieve socio-economic stability or full integration into Pakistan’s constitutional framework. The challenge lies in balancing state authority with community rights, tradition with modern governance, and development with sustainability. A fair and inclusive land reform policy will not only resolve long-standing disputes but also pave the way for a prosperous, peaceful, and politically empowered Gilgit-Baltistan.