When Did Hunza Become a Part of Pakistan? Uncovering the Forgotten History of the Hidden Kingdom
I first heard the name “Hunza” from my grandfather, who would describe it as a fairytale kingdom hidden in the clouds — a place where time forgot to move. To a child, it felt like Narnia existed somewhere up north. Years later, standing atop the ancient Baltit Fort and gazing across the rugged Karakoram landscape, I realized he wasn’t exaggerating. Hunza wasn’t always a part of Pakistan. It was a sovereign state, complete with its own rulers, culture, and system — a kingdom unto itself.
So when did Hunza become a part of Pakistan? Was it a peaceful union or a forced one? What happened to the Mir, the monarch who once ruled these towering mountains?
In this detailed post, we’ll explore the rich, often forgotten political journey of Hunza — from a fiercely independent princely state to its integration into modern Pakistan.
Setting the Stage: What Was Hunza Before Pakistan?
Before Pakistan was even a thought, Hunza existed as an independent princely state. Its history dates back centuries, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Burusho people and ruled by a hereditary king known as the Mir of Hunza.
Hunza’s strategic location — nestled between the borders of China, Afghanistan, and British India — made it a geopolitical gem. It wasn’t just beautiful; it was important.
Hunza’s Political Identity Before 1947
Sovereign state with its own administration
Ruled by the Mirs, a dynasty of kings going back over 900 years
Maintained foreign relations independently, especially with neighboring China
Sometimes aligned with the Qing Empire of China and later accepted British suzerainty for survival
Hunza wasn’t just isolated—it was independent, resilient, and proud of it.
British Interests and the Great Game
By the 1800s, British India and the Russian Empire were locked in a Cold War-like struggle for dominance in Central Asia. This clash, known as the Great Game, brought attention to remote regions like Hunza.
Hunza’s control of mountain passes — including the strategic Mintaka and Khunjerab Passes — made it a region the British could not ignore.
The British Campaign in Hunza – 1891
In 1891, the British launched a military expedition known as the Hunza-Nagar Campaign under Colonel Durand. After weeks of heavy fighting, the British occupied both Hunza and neighboring Nagar. The then Mir, Safdar Ali Khan, fled to China.
The British then installed his half-brother, Nazim Khan, as the new Mir — effectively making Hunza a vassal state under British oversight.
But even under British suzerainty, Hunza maintained a degree of autonomy. The Mirs ruled locally, collected taxes, and handled internal affairs.
Table of Contents
Partition and the Formation of Pakistan
With the partition of British India in 1947, princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan, or remain independent.
This is where Hunza’s story becomes both political and personal.
What Happened in 1947?
On November 3, 1947, Mir Muhammad Jamal Khan of Hunza acceded to Pakistan.
He signed an Instrument of Accession, similar to the one signed by rulers of other princely states.
The accession was voluntary but strategically motivated.
Hunza’s decision was influenced by religion (Hunza was Muslim-majority), culture, and practical alignment with its neighbor Gilgit, which had already revolted against Dogra rule and joined Pakistan.
Importantly, Hunza’s accession wasn’t immediately integrated into Pakistan’s standard administrative structure. It remained a semi-autonomous region under the Mir’s rule for several more decades.
The Last Days of the Mir’s Rule (1947–1974)
Even after joining Pakistan in 1947, Hunza continued to operate as a semi-independent princely state for the next 27 years.
The Mir’s Role After Accession
Retained control over land, taxes, and justice
Acted as the regional ruler under federal oversight
Maintained a royal court in Karimabad
Locals owed fealty to the Mir and followed his rule
While many Hunzakuts admired the Mir for maintaining traditions and order, a growing wave of education and awareness led to demands for democratization and integration.
The Turning Point: Abolition of the Princely State (1974)
Everything changed in 1974, when Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto visited Gilgit-Baltistan. Amid political reform and a push for equality, Bhutto abolished the princely states of Hunza and Nagar.
Key Outcomes of the 1974 Reforms:
The Mir’s powers were dissolved
Land was redistributed to local peasants
Hunza was merged into the Northern Areas (now Gilgit-Baltistan)
Democratic governance began to replace monarchy
The local administration was restructured under Pakistan’s federal control
Though this marked the end of centuries of monarchical rule, it was a new beginning for Hunza’s youth, who now had greater access to education, rights, and national integration.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| Pre-1800s | Independent tribal kingdom |
| 1891 | British invade and install Mir Nazim Khan |
| 1947 | Mir signs Instrument of Accession to Pakistan |
| 1974 | Z.A. Bhutto abolishes princely status; Hunza integrated into Northern Areas |
The Takeaway
Traveling in Pakistan is both exciting and accessible because to its varied transportation system. Every type of traveler has an alternative, from the convenience of ride-hailing services to the affordability of buses and trains.
Metro busses, Careem, and Uber are the most convenient means of transportation for brief city excursions. Pakistan’s picturesque train routes and opulent bus services offer comfortable and reasonably priced long-distance travel. The quickest option to travel long distances is still by domestic flight, particularly when traveling to far-flung northern locations.
Are you prepared to travel to Pakistan? Plan your vacation now to take advantage of the amazing nation’s transportation infrastructure!
Explore carefully planned tours to see the best of this fascinating nation. Please get in touch if you would need more travel advice; we are happy to assist you in organizing your upcoming journey! Additionally, by completing this form, you can personalize your journey.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
1. Was Hunza an independent country before Pakistan?
Yes, Hunza was a princely state with its own rulers and administrative systems before it acceded to Pakistan in 1947.
2. When did Hunza officially join Pakistan?
Hunza joined Pakistan on November 3, 1947, when the Mir signed the Instrument of Accession.
3. Did the people of Hunza accept joining Pakistan?
Yes. There was no significant resistance, and many supported the decision due to cultural and religious alignment.
4. Did Hunza have a king?
Yes, the hereditary ruler of Hunza was called the Mir, who remained in power until 1974.
5. Was Hunza part of British India?
Hunza was a vassal state under British suzerainty after the 1891 invasion but retained local autonomy.
6. What happened to the Mir of Hunza?
The Mir’s powers were abolished in 1974, but the family still lives in Hunza and plays a cultural role.
7. Is Hunza now a part of Gilgit-Baltistan?
Yes, Hunza is now a district within the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
8. Why did Bhutto abolish the Mir’s rule?
Bhutto’s reforms were aimed at land redistribution, ending feudalism, and integrating all regions under democratic governance.
9. Are there any movements to restore Hunza’s autonomy?
Some local voices advocate for greater political representation and cultural recognition, but not for independence.
10. Can tourists visit the old royal places?
Absolutely! Baltit Fort and Altit Fort are beautifully restored and open to the public.
11. What is the political status of Hunza now?
Hunza is fully integrated into Pakistan as part of Gilgit-Baltistan, which has its own assembly but awaits full provincial status.
Daniel loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations and making new friends. Writing blog posts since 2015, Daniel says it helps him to document his travels and cherish them. He loves the fact that what he writes might actually help someone have a better experience in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In his spare time, he loves listening to Tchaikovsky and spend time with his dog Coconut.
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