Could you tell us something about the idea of Balawaristan and the aims of the Balawaristan National Front?
Abdul Hamid Khan: Balawaristan is a term which we use to refer to that area of the former state of Jammu & Kashmir which is now under the illegal occupation of Pakistan, consisting of Gilgit Baltistan. It has an area of 28000 square miles (in contrast to the rest of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which comprises only 4000 sq miles). Pakistan has illegally ceded some 2500 square miles of the territory of Balawaristan to China in the Shoomshall Hunza area. Balawaristan has a population of some two million, consisting of Shi’as, Sunnis, Isma’ilis and Nur Bakhshis. The Balawaristan National Front (BNF) was been established on July 30th, 1992. To free Balawaristan and its people from the occupation of Pakistan and make it as an independent country is the only aim of our party. The party has presented a manifesto for a sovereign and independent Republic of Balawaristan for the people of this region are treated by Pakistan as virtual slaves and have been deprived of all basic human rights. Pakist
