| Publication |
2013.
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| Summary/Abstract |
The occupation of Gilgit-Baltistan by Pakistan and take-over of Xinjiang by China subsequently enabled both countries to build roads to consolidate their control over these regions. At the same time, opening of the Khunjerab Pass through the Karakoram Highway (KKH) allowed Pakistan and China to enhance commercial, military and political collaboration. However, the social, cultural and commercial interaction that today China and Pakistan has through the twin neighboring regions of Gilgit=Baltistan and Xinjiang
dates back several thousands of years. Since time immemorial, the mountain passes of the Karakoram Range facilitated traders and adventurers to travel through the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang and pursue their commercial and political interests in India, China and Central Asia. Then the shortest and safest among the passes, the Muztagh La, connected Braldo and Shaksgam valleys of Baltistan with important trading posts of Yarkand, Hotan, Kashgar, Badakhshan; admitting travel even farther north towards Beijing and Russia.' As part of the infamous Silk Route, Muztagh La pass facilitated "significant trade between Yarkand and the Braldo district of Baltistan"? At that time, Braldo was "central to the regional economy" and ranked high as the regional grain-basket? Many locals including those from the regional capital, Skardo, and the people of Hunza and N agar valleys made Braldo their home due to its strategic location on the famous trade artery. Social interaction enabled many Baltis to travel to Yarkand, Mazar and Khotan, and settle there.'
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