In the 1947-48 Gilgit-Baltistan Liberation War, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan rose against Dogra control to join Pakistan. Major Brown and Babar Khan's leadership became symbols of their fight for freedom and self-determination.

The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Liberation War of 1947-48 stands as a monumental event in the history of Pakistan, marking the courageous struggle of the people of GB to liberate their homeland and join the newly formed state of Pakistan. This war is a testament to the resilience and determination of the local population, who, despite limited resources and immense challenges, fought for their right to self-determination.
In the days leading up to the independence of Pakistan, on August 1, 1947, Lord Mountbatten cancelled the 60-year lease of GB and transferred the Muslim-majority region to the Dogra State of Jammu and Kashmir. This British move, on the eve of independence, created extreme dismay and anxiety among the people of GB, who overwhelmingly wanted to join Pakistan. They patiently waited, hoping that the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir would declare union with Pakistan. However, when this did not happen, the people of GB, fuelled by a sense of betrayal and injustice, rose in unison and launched a liberation war against the Dogra forces on November 1, 1947.
The Uprising and Liberation
The liberation movement was a jointly coordinated effort by Major William Alexander Brown, the Commandant of Gilgit Scouts, along with Muslim officers of the Dogra State Forces and the Muslim Viceroy Commissioned Officers (VCOs). As the Maharaja decided to join the Republic of India instead of Pakistan, these leaders resolved to rise in rebellion.

On the night of October 31, 1947, Major Brown and Subedar Major Babar Khan led the Gilgit Scouts in a daring operation, surrounding the Governor's House in Gilgit. In a historic confrontation, they demanded the surrender of Brigadier Ghansara Singh, the Dogra State Governor. A fierce firefight ensued, resulting in the martyrdom of Sepoy Amir Hayat, a member of the Hunza Platoon, who became the first Shaheed of GB's Liberation War. This loss galvanized the Gilgit Scouts, and on November 1, 1947, Brigadier Ghansara Singh surrendered, marking a turning point in the war. The Dogra flag was pulled down, and the Pakistani flag was hoisted over the Governor's House in Gilgit. A special courier was dispatched to Pakistan to announce the liberation of Gilgit from the Dogras and its accession to Pakistan.

In Bunji, Captain Hassan Khan, an officer of the Dogra State's 6th Jammu and Kashmir Infantry Battalion, along with other Muslim officers and VCOs, led the liberation effort. They ambushed and arrested Lieutenant Colonel Hameed, the Commanding Officer (CO) of the 6th Jammu and Kashmir Infantry, liberating Bunji.
After the fall of Gilgit and Bunji, the liberation forces, which included the Gilgit Scouts, two Muslim companies of the Dogra State's 6th Jammu and Kashmir Infantry, and a large number of local volunteers from Gilgit and Hunza, organized themselves into three distinct columns to liberate the remaining areas of GB. These columns were:
▪    Ibex Force under Major Ehsan Khan
▪    Tiger Force under Captain Hassan Khan
▪    Eskimo Force under Lieutenant Shah Khan
These brave and indomitably courageous men fearlessly accomplished their mission, liberating the entire region from the yoke of Dogra rule. The liberation of GB was not without sacrifice—86 brave souls embraced Shahadat (martyrdom) in this struggle, creating a legend unparalleled in the annals of military history.
Annexation with Pakistan
Following the successful liberation of GB, the local leaders and the people of the region expressed their desire to join Pakistan. This wish was formally communicated to the Government of Pakistan, and on November 16, 1947, the first Pakistani Political Agent, Sardar Muhammad Alam Khan, arrived in Gilgit and took office, marking the official annexation of GB to Pakistan.
Tribute to Babar Khan and Major William Alexander Brown
Babar Khan and Major Brown's portraits, along with brief personal accounts, have been honored in the "100 Iconic Figures of Freedom" exhibit at the Army Museum Lahore. Their contributions to the GB Liberation War are commemorated as symbols of bravery and patriotism.
Babar Khan. Babar Khan’s legacy as a freedom fighter and leader in the GB Liberation War is a source of immense pride for the people of the region. His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom, especially his role in the surrender of Brigadier Ghansara Singh, symbolizes the courage and determination of the people of GB. Babar Khan’s name will forever be remembered in the annals of history as a hero who fought for the dignity and rights of his people.
Major William Alexander Brown. Major Brown’s decision to stand with the people of GB, despite the risks to his career and personal safety, exemplifies the highest ideals of military leadership and moral responsibility. His role in the liberation war, particularly in leading the Gilgit Scouts and raising the Pakistani flag over Gilgit, is a chapter of honor in Pakistan’s history. Major Brown’s contribution to the liberation of GB is cherished by the people of the region, and his memory is revered as that of a true friend and ally in their struggle for freedom. The Government of Pakistan posthumously awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz to Brown in 1993.

The author holds a Master's in English Literature and a Ph.D. in Education Administration. He is currently serving with distinction on a second deputation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Note: The photos used in the article are from the ISPR Archives and NLI Centre Bunji.