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Gilgit Baltistan (GB), the northernmost region of Pakistan, has a rich history of cultural and religious diversity. The Area is spread over 72,496 square kilometers with an estimated population of 1.5 million. For administrative purposes, it is divided into 3 divisions and 14 districts. GB is a diverse region in terms of its internal composition. The population comprises four sects of Islam dominantly, Shiites constitute 39%, Sunni 27%, Ismaili 18%, Noorbakshi 16%, and 25 linguistic and various ethnic groups. Some of the major linguistic groups are Shina, Balti, Khowar, Burushaski, Wakhi, Domaki, Kohistani, and Gojri.

Gilgit Baltistan is renowned for its rich and diverse cultures, along with centuries-old peaceful coexistence of its multi- backgrounds residents. The diverse and peaceful nature stems from shared elements like music, dance, folk stories, sports, religious harmony, and various others. One of the most important elements that shaped this region’s diversity and peace was the cross-sect marriages. The cross-sect marriages were very common practices among the people of similar tribes or Qawms. These marriages not only connect the families but also the faiths, while it was the celebration of differences in the real sense. 

The recent high-profile case of an Ismaili girl, Falk Noor, eloping with a Sunni boy can be viewed from various perspectives, like their age, sects, or castes. While considering all aspects of the situation, runaway marriage itself is an important issue to address in the communities of GB. Why did the girl choose to elope rather than seek her family’s acceptance for marriage? The underlying reason is undoubtedly sectarianism and discontinuation or societal ban on cross-sect marriages. How can we forget to mention the tragic event that happened in Gupis Ghizer, a few years back? Where an Ismaili-Sunni couple was killed by the girl’s relatives in the name of honor killing. In contrast, this was not the situation in the past, cross-sect marriages were normal specifically among the Shina tribes of Gilgit. The reason for these divides and hate can be understood from the historical events.

 The 1980 Zia Ul Haq so-called “Islamization drive” had a severely adverse impact on the region’s peace and harmony. Although the starting of sectarianism in the region can be traced back to Bhutto’s era and the state policy of “divide and rule”.Moreover, Gilgit Baltistan’s disputed and constitutional status has always been catered through diverting tactics by the state, while sectarianism was one of the most effective tools in this case. 

Although the foundation for sectarianism had already been established, the Zia era not only built upon it but also further entrenched it by undermining all elements of peace and diversity through radical religious doctrines. It started a wave of violent conflicts between the two majority sects Shias and Sunnis. The first violent conflict erupted in 1988, known as the “Gilgit Massacre”, this lynching, killing, and raping of a particular sect by state-backed terrorists, resulted in the spread of hate and intolerance.  All the sects in the region were highly impacted by this start of violent conflicts and sectarianism. Over time, the conflicts led to more frequent incidents which resulted in extreme sectarian attitudes and behaviors in the communities along with limiting communication and interaction between these sects. As a result, cross-sect marriages, once an important aspect of cultural diversity, changed to a societal taboo.

In 1990, a Sunni Yashkun family from Chilas approached a Shia family from Nagar with a marriage proposal for their son. Both families, belonging to the same Yash Qawm, agreed to the marriage, viewing it as an act of sectarian harmony. However, on the day of the wedding, people and Mullahs from Nagar protested and blocked the road, escalating the situation to the point where the administration had to intervene. Due to constant threats and pressure on both families, the marriage was ultimately called off.

In conclusion, cross-sect marriages highlight the challenges of sectarianism and extremism in the region. Historically, these marriages symbolized social harmony and mutual respect between different communities. while, several misleading policies and narratives at the state level and extreme radical teachings at the community level have severely impacted these unions, often leading to tragic consequences. The importance of these marriages extends beyond the personal, they are a testament to the possibility of unity in diversity. The extreme reactions to these marriages underscore the urgent need for societal change. Promoting interfaith dialogue, community education, and implementing strong legal protections for inter-sect couples can pave the way for a more inclusive and tolerant society. As Gilgit Baltistan moves forward, it is significant to remember the past, and unlearn and counter the extreme and radical thoughts by creating safe spaces for inter or intrafaith discourses, only by addressing the root cause of sectarianism can we hope to create a future where love and acceptance prevail over division and intolerance. 

Imtiaz Ahmed

About the Author

Imtiaz Ahmed, from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is pursuing an MPhil in History and Culture. He has led peace and leadership projects with various organizations and founded the Gilgit-Baltistan Right to Information Initiative to promote access to information as a means to foster peace and understanding in the region. Imtiaz aims to cultivate peace and pluralism through cultural understanding, believing that our diverse histories can create a more inclusive society.