Abstract
The State of Jammu and Kashmir, occupying a complex and significant geographical and geo-strategic position, is located in a triangle of nuclear power States. It is considered crippled economically and in terms of its military; being located at the confluence of China, Central Asia and the South Asian gateway. The famous silk route connected with Central Asia makes it significant cross route through the region. Presently, this land is working as a survival zone and should be revived in the near future for Pakistan which not only working as a trade corridor, but it has also the potential of a logistic hub. After the advent of CPEC, it turned into a lucrative junction for China and Central Asian States on one side, but its disputed nature is another prominent aspect which has increased its geo-strategic, geo-politics, and geo-economic vitality. The Czarist Empire persuaded towards warms water access which made it more strategically significant and the Kashmir issue remained a part of “Great Game” between Czarists and British by declaring an area as “Buffer Zone”. Pakistan’s intention towards Kashmir follows its foundational ideology assembled with strategic interests along with geographical and religious contiguities, and strategic alliances of Pakistan and China in connecting Gilgit with China also increasing complexities with India in recent times and Kashmir dispute unwantedly recognized by US. The primary theme of this study is to highlight the significance of Gilgit Baltistan in terms of its geostrategic importance being an influential trade corridor of CPEC, also cutting the edge of ancient trade corridor from Central Asia through Wakhan route which further enhances its geo-militia vitality. This paper is an attempt to dig out the survival tools for Pakistan from a highly predicted area of Gilgit Baltistan which will be the land of revival for Pakistan by conducting a comprehensive study of Geography, Economic Potential and Strategic Position with prospects of CPEC.
Keyword(s)
CPEC, Kashmir, Geo-Politics, geo-militia, economic potential, International politics