الحالة الاقتصادية في إقليم بلتستان (دراسة تاريخية)

THE ECONOMIC CONDITION IN THE BALTISTAN REGION (A HISTORICAL STUDY)

Abstract

The Baltistan region is located in the far north of Pakistan. The entire area was historically underdeveloped in all aspects of life, especially in the economic sector. This underdevelopment was due to several factors, primarily the region’s remoteness, isolation from other Pakistani cities, lack of modern facilities, and its unique climate. The extremely cold weather made it difficult to engage in many crafts, professions, and industries that could have contributed to improving the economic situation. In winter, temperatures drop to as low as minus thirty degrees Celsius, and the rugged terrain further hinders accessibility to the region.

Most of the population relied on agriculture for their annual livelihood. However, agricultural production was minimal and often insufficient to meet the needs of the people due to the limited amount of cultivated land and the five-month-long agricultural hiatus caused by extreme cold and heavy snowfall. Additionally, political instability, resulting from the competition of neighboring powers for control over the region, led to widespread poverty among its inhabitants.

Trade and industrial opportunities were almost nonexistent. However, some residents practiced daily crafts such as carpentry, blacksmithing, shoemaking, weaving, and jewelry-making to sustain themselves. Others migrated to Yarkand, Kashmir, and India to work for wealthy merchants and factory owners during the harsh weather conditions from September to the end of March, returning home in time for the farming season.

In recent times, the economic condition in most parts of Baltistan has significantly improved and flourished.