Culture & Heritage

Abolition of Hunza State

After the creation of Pakistan (August 14, 1947) and the successful revolution of Gilgit Scouts against Dogra Raj (November 1, 1947), the Mir of Hunza also announced to annex Hunza with Pakistan. After then, Hunza remained a semi-autonomous state within Pakistan until the Pakistan's last remaining princely kingdoms was abolished in 1974 by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and ended the 600 years history of Mirdom. After then Hunza became sub-division of Gilgit district with in Northern Areas of Pakistan. The local people joined Army, also started business in Gilgit city, many skipped to different cities of Pakistan and got education. Therefore gradually development started in this remote area. Due to geographical seclusion of the region from rest of the country the area remained isolated up till the time when the first jeep able road was constructed in 1960 during the visit of His Highness, Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49^th Imam of Ismaili Muslims. The visit of His Highness was the turning point in the history of Hunza because His Highness himself witnessed the socio-economic conditions of his followers and opened the door of development to the people of this highly remote valley. During 1980s various AKDN agencies further speed up their development initiatives and the real fruits of the first visit of His Highness tricked down to common people of Hunza. With in 2 decades the people of Hunza who was once looters of Karavans become a model community of the modern world.

 

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto; Who abolished Mirdom	Mir Muhammad Jamal Khan; The last Mir of Hunza

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