Nagar Valley

The topography of the Nagar Valley is characterized by steep valleys, rugged peaks, glaciers and active tectonic fault zones. The Karakoram mountain range envelopes the entire region. Geologically, the area is traversed by the Main Karakoram Thrust, a significant structural boundary associated with deep-seated geothermal activity. This fault system contributes to the emergence of natural hot springs across the region.^[7] Of the total area of Nagar valley, 90% is 3,000 meters above sea level and 30% is 5,000 meters above sea level.^[8]

Nagar was an independent principality for more than 1,200 years. The British gained control of Nagar during the Anglo-Brusho war, locally known as Jangir-e-Lae. Jangir-e-Lae was fought between the people of Nagar state and the troops of the British Raj at Nilt from 1 to 23 December 1891.^[9]

The British troops faced strong resistance from the people of Nagar under the leadership of the Tham (chief) of that time, Azur Khan, at the Nilt Nallah (known as Jamila Mo Har).^[10] The people of Nagar fought for more than 20 days but were defeated due to a lack of armaments. Over 100 Nagaris lost their lives and 127 were imprisoned. On the British side, four British officers and over 50 Dogra levies lost their lives.^[9] The British retained Nagar's status as a principality.^[11] Even after the revolt against the Maharaja of Kashmir and unconditional accession to Pakistan in 1948, Nagar's status continued to be that of a princely state.

During the 1960s, people started protesting against the despotism of the Mir, demanding the abolition of Begar and reduction in taxation. In 1970, they organized a march to Gilgit to register their demands with the authorities, while Gilgit sent scouts against the people. The scouts opened fire on the demonstrators in Chalt, killing nine people and wounding many more. The leaders of the protest were imprisoned.^[2] Later, on 25 September 1974, Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto dissolved the princely states of Nagar and Hunza, set the prisoners free and gave democratic representation to the Northern Areas Council, now the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.^[12]

Nagar Valley is administratively divided into two tehsils: Nagar-I and Nagar-II.^[13] All the villages of upper Nagar including Shayar, Askurdas, Sumayar, Nagarkhas, Hoper Valley, and Hispar come under Nagar-I, which collectively form Sas Valley. The villages of lower Nagar including Chalt Paeen, Chalt Bala, Sonikot, Akbarabad, Rabat, Bar, Buddalas, Chaprote, Sikandarabad, Jafarabad, Nilt, Thol, Ghulmet, Pisan, Minapin, Miachar, Dadhimal, Phakker, and Hakuchar are part of Nagar-II.

Nagar is considered to be one of the most gemstone-rich valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. It contains numerous mining sites that yield a range of precious and semiprecious gemstones.

• List of valleys in Pakistan