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Published Sep 2026

Internal Colonization in Northern Pakistan: The Impact on Cultural Rights

The study examines internal colonialism in northern Pakistan, particularly in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Torwali argues that indigenous communities have experienced political, cultural, and linguistic marginalization, resulting in the weakening of local languages, identities, and cultural rights. The study also discusses assimilation, loss of indigenous culture, fragmented political structures, and the situation of Gilgit-Baltistan. It calls for greater recognition and protection of the region's linguistic, cultural, and political rights.

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Executive Summary

The study examines internal colonialism in northern Pakistan, particularly in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Torwali argues that indigenous communities have experienced political, cultural, and linguistic marginalization, resulting in the weakening of local languages, identities, and cultural rights. The study also discusses assimilation, loss of indigenous culture, fragmented political structures, and the situation of Gilgit-Baltistan. It calls for greater recognition and protection of the region's linguistic, cultural, and political rights.

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