Background
Balawaristan is a historic name for the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, the party considers Baltistan a part or Balawaristan as well. The party was formed on July 30, 1992 under the Chairmanship of Nawaj Khan Naji. In 1947 at the time of partition the people of the area were predominantly Shia Muslims. However over the years the ethnic composition has been changed as non Kashmiri Pakistanis have settled in this area leading to discontent - although Shias remain the outright majority.. A 2008 report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees determined that Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which includes Gilgit-Baltistan, was 'Not Free'. In 2009 as part of Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009, the region was granted self-rule with an elected legislature for the first time in its history, despite protests from India which regards the region as Indian territory.
BNF also criticized the Pakistani Government saying 'The appropriation of land in the Northern Areas by non-Kashmiri migrants from elsewhere in Pakistan, with the tacit encouragement of the federal government and army, has led to dwindling economic opportunities for the local population and an increase in sectarian tension between the majority Shia Muslims and a growing number of Sunnis.' India asserts Gilgit-Baltistan is a part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir which it regards as an 'integral part' of India.
Read more about this topic: Balawaristan National Front
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