Times of Gilgit

Date: 14 August 2025

To:
Secretary-General
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA

Cc:

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

World Bank Climate Investment Funds

Green Climate Fund (GCF)

International Climate Change Advocacy Groups

Subject: Climate Justice Appeal for Gilgit-Baltistan – A Disputed Region Facing Climate Catastrophes

Respected Secretary-General,

I write to you on behalf of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a region of immense ecological significance and breathtaking natural beauty—yet one of the most climate-vulnerable areas on Earth. GB lies at the confluence of the world’s greatest mountain ranges, with a fragile ecosystem, limited arable land, and centuries-old human adaptation systems such as hand-carved mountain water channels.

In recent weeks, our region has suffered unprecedented devastation from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and abnormal rainfall—direct results of accelerating global climate change. These disasters have washed away fertile fields, homes, livestock, roads, and critical infrastructure. Billions of rupees will be needed to rebuild and to implement protective measures.

What makes our situation even more complex is Gilgit-Baltistan’s disputed political status, as recognized by the United Nations under the Jammu & Kashmir issue. Because of this unresolved status, our people are often left outside the scope of major national and international development and climate adaptation programs. Yet, we are on the frontline of climate disasters caused largely by emissions from industrialized nations.

Gilgit-Baltistan has contributed virtually nothing to global greenhouse gas emissions. However, we are among the worst affected and least supported. This is not only an environmental crisis it is a question of climate justice.

We therefore urgently call upon the United Nations, global climate institutions, and world powers especially those historically responsible for climate change to:

1. Recognize Gilgit-Baltistan’s vulnerability as a disputed territory and ensure it is included in international climate aid and adaptation frameworks.

2. Provide immediate compensation under the “Loss and Damage” framework for recent destruction.

3. Fund climate-resilient infrastructure and flood protection systems.

4. Support livelihood restoration programs for displaced farmers and herders.

5. Ensure GB’s inclusion in global climate negotiations, programs, and research.

If the world is serious about climate justice, then no region—especially one already politically marginalized—should be left behind. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve the same rights to protection, compensation, and adaptation as any other vulnerable community on this planet.

I trust that the United Nations and the global community will act urgently to prevent further humanitarian, environmental, and cultural loss in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Sincerely
Shahzad Ali Barcha
A Socio economic & Environmental Activist
On behalf of youth of
Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Mass Arrests Spark Protests Across Gilgit-Baltistan: Human Rights Groups Condemn Crackdown

Gilgit-Baltistan,(May 18, 2025)
More than two dozen members of the Awami Action Committee (AAC), including its leader ehsan Ali advocate, have been arrested by Pakistani authorities in what activists describe as an illegal and politically motivated crackdown. The arrests have triggered widespread protests across Gilgit-Baltistan, with demonstrators demanding the immediate release of the detainees.

Human rights organizations, opposition leader Mesum kazim and civil society groups have strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations in the region. They allege that the state is suppressing dissent and ignoring the constitutional and fundamental rights of the local population.

"Gilgit-Baltistan remains a disputed territory, and its residents must be granted the right to ownership of their natural resources, including land, mountains, and mineral mines," said a spokesperson for a local human rights group. “The international community must urgently take notice of the deteriorating human rights situation in the region.”

Protesters argue that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have long been denied basic rights and autonomy, and the recent arrests are part of a broader pattern of political repression. Demonstrations have taken place in major towns and cities, with calls for justice, freedom of expression, and protection of civil liberties.