Gilgit-Baltistan — a paradise of Tolerance and Diversity.

Why doesn’t the rest of Pakistan migrate to Gilgit-Baltistan?

There are sectarian problems also in Gilgit Balitistan at times between Sunni and Shia. This has flared up several times causing one group or another to flee. There have been bombings and deaths on many occasions between these groups. Also there are many who distrust the work of the NGOs there who are giving preference to one group over another. You seem to mistake the lesser degree of violence In Gilgit Baltistan with greater tolerance. The truth is that there is a smaller population there compared to more densely populated parts of Pakistan. Otherwise the scourge of sectarianism is there too.

Gilgit-Baltistan presents Pakistan’s most diverse religious, cultural and lingual diversity than anywhere else in Pakistan. You have got the Twelver Shias, Sunnis, and a good concentration of Shia Ismaili Muslims. Why there has been less sectarian violence there though sometimes it also flares up in the vicinity of Gilgit Town and Skardu, is due to the pluralistic thought that has been developed in that part of the country. The people there have come to a minimum understanding of tolerating each other’s views and religious beliefs. Muharram and birth anniversary of Imam Hussain is well celebrated in Gilgit without any sort of conern. In the same way religious festivals by all the three major groups go on with least concern. NGO’s have played a very positive role in educating the pubic there and creating public awareness on importance of pluralism and social acceptance.

Gilgit-Baltistan is probably the only area that has not been contaminated with the negative thoughts and religious thoughts of crazy mullahs.