Why Northern Areas Matter for Pakistan’s Future
The Northern Areas of Pakistan, today known as Gilgit-Baltistan, are among the most stunning regions of the world. Snow-covered peaks, crystal-clear rivers, fertile valleys, and diverse cultures make this land unique. But behind this beauty lies another reality food insecurity, limited access to services, fragile ecosystems, and challenges in livelihoods.
These mountain communities not only sustain themselves but also play a huge role in protecting the natural resources and biodiversity of Pakistan. This article will guide you through different aspects of life in the Northern Areas from food security and trade challenges to youth health, conservation projects, community voices, and Pakistan’s biodiversity strategy.
Each section is explained simply and clearly so that you can fully understand the importance of this region and the steps needed for a better future.
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About Northern Areas of Pakistan
The Northern Areas of Pakistan, officially known as Gilgit-Baltistan, are one of the most beautiful and scenic regions of the country. Surrounded by the world’s highest mountain ranges, including the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush, this region is home to famous peaks like K2, Nanga Parbat, and Rakaposhi. With lush green valleys, snow-covered mountains, glaciers, rivers, and crystal-clear lakes, the Northern Areas are often called the “Heaven on Earth” and attract thousands of tourists from all over the world.
| Sector | Key Challenges Faced |
|---|---|
| Food Security | Harsh climate limits farming, dependency on imported food, rising costs |
| Health | Few hospitals, shortage of doctors, lack of medical equipment |
| Education | Limited schools, shortage of trained teachers, outdated facilities |
| Employment | Seasonal jobs, migration to cities, lack of industries |
| Environment | Deforestation, melting glaciers, climate change risks |
Apart from natural beauty, the region is also rich in culture and traditions. The people of Northern Areas are known for their hospitality, simple lifestyle, and cultural diversity. Gilgit-Baltistan holds great importance for Pakistan not only because of its tourism but also due to its strategic location, linking the country with China through the Karakoram Highway (CPEC route). It is a place of unmatched charm where natural wonders meet cultural richness, making it one of the most valuable regions of Pakistan.
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Food Insecurity in Gilgit, Diamer and Skardu – A Ground Reality
According to research studies and food insecurity maps, the Northern Areas especially Gilgit, Diamer, and Skardu are among the most food insecure regions of Pakistan. Harsh climates, short growing seasons, limited agricultural land, and poor access to markets make it difficult for local people to produce or purchase enough food.
| Sector | Key Challenges Faced |
| Food Security | Limited agricultural land, dependency on imports, rising food prices |
| Health | Lack of hospitals, shortage of medical staff, limited facilities in remote areas |
| Education | Inadequate schools, shortage of teachers, lack of modern learning resources |
| Employment | Limited job opportunities, migration for work, seasonal employment |
| Forests & Environment | Deforestation, climate change impact, loss of biodiversity |
Villages often face food shortages during the winter months when roads are blocked by snow. High transportation costs further increase the price of food items, leaving many households vulnerable. Despite their hard work, farmers in these areas cannot always sell their produce at fair prices because they lack strong connections to larger markets.
This shows that food insecurity here is not just about low production it is about access, affordability, and resilience.
Impact of Trade Liberalisation on Mountain Communities
A major study titled “Impact of Trade Liberalisation on Mountain Communities in Pakistan’s Northern Areas” was carried out in Gilgit, Diamer, and Skardu. Covering 15 villages, it analyzed how policies on trade and markets directly affect the lives of mountain people.
The study found that while trade liberalisation brings opportunities, it also exposes poor farmers to new risks. For example:
- Transportation costs eat up most of the profit.
- Small farmers cannot compete with cheaper imported products.
- Seasonal road closures cut them off from markets completely.
- Lack of storage means produce often spoils before it reaches buyers.
The report recommended improving infrastructure, forming farmer cooperatives, supporting women in agriculture, and promoting high-value local products like apricots, nuts, and handicrafts. These measures can ensure that trade works for mountain communities instead of against them.
Role of Local Communities in Northern Areas
| Community Group | Contribution & Struggles |
|---|---|
| Women | Skilled in handicrafts, supporting families, but facing lack of equal opportunities |
| Youth | Active in education & tourism, but high unemployment rate |
| Farmers | Growing local crops & fruits, struggling with water shortages and modern tools |
| Cultural Groups | Preserving local traditions, facing lack of government support |
Agriculture and Livelihood Strategies in the Northern Areas
Agriculture is the backbone of life in the Northern Areas. However, due to limited land and extreme weather, farmers adopt multiple livelihood strategies. They grow crops like wheat, barley, and maize in summer; keep livestock for milk and meat; and rely on orchards for apricots, apples, and walnuts.
Households diversify their income because no single source is reliable. Many families combine farming with small trade, daily wage labor, or migration to cities. Women play an essential but often under-recognized role they manage livestock, preserve food, and support community networks.
This diversified approach shows the resilience of mountain people, but it also highlights the need for better support systems, modern techniques, and market access.
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Role of Communities in Gilgit-Baltistan
| Community Group | Contribution & Struggles |
| Women | Actively supporting families, handicrafts, facing lack of opportunities |
| Youth | Participating in education & social development, but facing unemployment |
| Farmers | Providing local food supply, struggling with water shortages & low technology |
| Local Communities | Protecting culture & environment, but lacking government support |
World Population Day in Gilgit – Youth and Health Rights in Focus
On 15 July 2003, Gilgit hosted World Population Day under the theme “1 Billion Adolescents: Right to Health Information and Services.” Organized by the Family Planning Association of Pakistan, the event included a speech contest among school and college students. It brought together teachers, NGOs, poets, artists, women activists, and government officials.
The central message was clear: adolescents deserve access to health information and services. When young people are healthy and well-informed, they can make better decisions for their families and futures.
This event highlighted the importance of addressing youth issues in remote areas like Gilgit. Investing in adolescent health means investing in the social and economic future of the Northern Areas.
Mountain Areas Conservancy Project (MACP) – A New Way of Protecting Nature
The Mountain Areas Conservancy Project (MACP) was a pioneering effort to protect biodiversity in Pakistan’s high mountains. Instead of relying only on government control, MACP introduced a community-based conservation model.
Its activities were centered in Nanga Parbat, Gojal, Tirich Mir, and Qashqar conservancies. Local communities were directly involved in managing resources, protecting wildlife, and ensuring sustainable use. Revenue from activities like controlled trophy hunting of ibex and markhor was shared with communities, funding schools, clinics, and water supply projects.
This approach showed that when people benefit directly from conservation, they are more motivated to protect nature. MACP became a model for how biodiversity and livelihoods can go hand in hand.
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Voices from the Mountains – Stories that Must Be Heard
One of the most unique projects linked to the Northern Areas is Mountain Voices, part of Panos’ oral testimony program. It collected stories and interviews from mountain communities, allowing local people to share their experiences in their own languages.
These testimonies covered a wide range of topics: agriculture, culture, health, migration, gender roles, tourism, and traditional knowledge. They reveal how mountain people adapt to change, face difficulties, and preserve their traditions.
Listening to these voices is essential because they show the real human side of development policies. They remind us that solutions must respect local culture and wisdom.
Government & Development Initiatives
| Initiative Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tourism Development | Promoting eco-tourism, improving road and hotel facilities |
| Environmental Action | Tree plantation, glacier protection, climate resilience programs |
| Infrastructure Plans | Roads, schools, health centers, renewable energy projects |
| Future Goals | Empower youth, empower women, promote agriculture & sustainable growth |
Biodiversity of Pakistan – From Coastal Mangroves to the Karakoram Peaks
Pakistan is home to an extraordinary variety of ecosystems from the mangrove forests along the Arabian Sea to the snow-covered peaks of the Karakoram. This diversity supports countless plant and animal species.
The Northern Areas are particularly important because they are home to iconic wildlife such as the snow leopard, ibex, and markhor. These species are not only symbols of natural heritage but also key to maintaining ecological balance.
Protecting biodiversity here means protecting Pakistan’s water sources, forests, and future.
Pakistan’s Biodiversity Action Plan – A National Strategy for Conservation
To safeguard this rich natural heritage, Pakistan developed the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). It outlines strategic goals such as:
- Strengthening policies and laws for conservation.
- Identifying and protecting key ecosystems.
- Promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
- Involving local communities in decision-making.
- Enhancing public education and awareness.
- Providing incentives for conservation-friendly practices.
The BAP emphasizes that biodiversity protection is not possible without the active participation of local communities and strong institutions.
Role of Communities in Protecting Environment and Livelihoods
The examples of MACP and Mountain Voices show that communities are not just beneficiaries they are the guardians of the environment. When local people are given ownership and fair benefits, they actively participate in protecting wildlife, forests, and water resources.
At the same time, community-based approaches ensure that development projects meet real local needs schools, health services, income opportunities while also safeguarding natural resources.
Youth, Women and Local Knowledge – The Hidden Strength of the North
Behind every field and pasture in the Northern Areas are the efforts of women, youth, and elders who carry centuries of knowledge. Women manage household economies, youth bring energy and new ideas, and elders preserve traditions of irrigation, farming, and resource sharing.
Development strategies must recognize this hidden strength. Programs that provide training, credit, and information to women and youth can transform entire communities. Local knowledge should be respected and integrated into modern development plans.
Challenges Ahead: Climate Change, Market Access, and Social Gaps
Despite progress, many challenges remain:
- Climate change is increasing risks of glacial melt, floods, and unpredictable weather.
- Market access is still weak, with poor infrastructure and high costs.
- Social gaps in education, health, and gender equality limit human development.
These issues must be addressed with a long-term vision that combines infrastructure, social services, and environmental protection.
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Recommendations and Future Roadmap for Northern Areas
Based on the studies and projects discussed, the following roadmap can guide future efforts:
- Improve Infrastructure – Roads, storage facilities, and digital connectivity.
- Promote Niche Products – Apricots, nuts, herbal plants, honey, handicrafts, trout.
- Strengthen Cooperatives – Farmers’ groups to reduce costs and increase bargaining power.
- Invest in Youth Health and Education – Accurate information, skills training, safe spaces for girls.
- Support Community Conservation – Recognize and reward local efforts through revenue-sharing.
- Integrate Local Knowledge – Respect cultural practices and oral traditions.
- Implement Biodiversity Action Plan – With real budgets, monitoring, and community participation.
- Prepare for Climate Change – Build resilience through disaster preparedness and climate-smart farming.
Government & Environmental Initiatives
| Initiative Type | Description |
| Policy Measures | Introducing policies for sustainable development & regional growth |
| Environmental Action | Tree plantation, forest protection, climate resilience projects |
| Infrastructure Plans | Roads, schools, hospitals, and renewable energy projects |
| Future Goals | Empowering youth, strengthening women’s role, and ensuring food & water security |
Conclusion
The Northern Areas of Pakistan stand at a crossroads. On one side are challenges food insecurity, weak markets, limited services, and climate change. On the other side are opportunities community strength, rich biodiversity, and youth potential.
By investing in infrastructure, empowering communities, supporting youth, and protecting nature, Pakistan can build a sustainable future for its mountains. The lessons from Gilgit, Diamer, Skardu, and beyond show us that development and conservation are not separate they are two sides of the same coin.
The road ahead requires commitment, partnership, and respect for local voices. With the right policies and actions, the Northern Areas can become a model for mountain development in the entire region.