Gilgit Baltistan, a Pakistan occupied region (POK), may be ceded by Pakistan to China as payment for debts. Giving up the Gilgit Baltistan region, which Pakistan illegally occupies, would be beneficial for China’s South Asian ambitions. Since the Karakoram is directly in the path of the China Pakistan economic corridor, China has made advantage of the territory that Pakistan previously ceded in the area and would like Gilgit Baltistan.

Itis speculated that it might lead to local unrest because the people already feel discriminated against. Gilgit Baltistan doesn’t connect to Pakistan’s national grid, therefore despite powering the rest of the nation, it only has fewer than two hours of power accessible each day. Additionally, there are food shortages, no control over its hydropower, and other resource limitations. Any such action may generate substantial lease income for Pakistan, which might help it get through its current financial difficulties.But this would also irritate the US, which might delay or refuse to provide Pakistan the USD 3 billion it had requested from the IMF. It might also result in Pakistan being blacklisted from receiving financing from the IMF, World Bank, and other international organisations in the future.

DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text.