evidence: Gilgit Baltistan (Urdu: گلگت بلتستان), previously known as the Northern Areas, is the northern-most autonomous territory of Pakistan. In terms of land area it is bigger than Sierra Leone but smaller than Panama.[9][10] It was part of the former Princely state of Kashmir and Jammu in 1800s[9] and later leased to British[11] eventually liberated after a planned liberation movement led by Gilgit Scouts.[10] [...] Gilgit Baltistan, which became a single administrative unit in 1970, was formed from the amalgamation of the Gilgit Agency, the Baltistan District of the Ladakh Wazarat, and the states of Hunza and Nagar. Gilgit Baltistan remains part of the Kashmir dispute. The Government of Pakistan since 1947 Independence regards the entire area of Jammu and Kashmir as "Territory in dispute" to be resolved by a Plebiscite to be held throughout the former state to determine the area's final accession to either India, or the neighboring country of Pakistan. Gilgit Baltistan is governed by a governor and a chief minister, with the latter being elected by the legislative assembly. Gilgit Baltistan covers 72,971 km² (28,174 mi²) and is very mountainous. It had an estimated population of 1.8 million in 2015. Its capital city is Gilgit, and the largest city is Skardu. The region is home to five of the 14 eight-thousanders, including K2 ("National Mountain"). Three of the world's longest glaciers outside of Earth's polar regions are found in Gilgit-Baltistan. The main tourism activities are trekking and mountaineering.