evidence: Yet, in a sudden turn of events and in contradiction of the country’s long-held stance and new political map, the Minister of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur announced on September 16 that the government of Pakistan has indicated its plans to grant Gilgit-Baltistan official provincial status and representation in the Senate and National Assembly. Gandapur further stated that work on the Moqpondass Special Economic Zone would begin in Gilgit-Baltistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Gilgit-Baltistan, and its complex status within the larger Kashmir crisis, has long been a source of contention between India and Pakistan. India has opposed CPEC projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, arguing that the territory remains disputed, and the announcement was met with severe resistance and opposition in New Delhi. [...] Granting Gilgit-Baltistan provincial status is likely to further fuel regional strife and could push India to consider, if not engage, in a two-front conflict with Pakistan and China. Despite China’s backing, Pakistan should be cognizant of India’s conventional superiority and refrain from scoring political points at this volatile point in the South Asia region’s history. Considering all three stakeholders are nuclear powers, Pakistan should proceed with caution. Additionally, and most importantly, China’s opportunistic projects in Gilgit-Baltistan need to be questioned and restructured to aid the development of the region as initially promised. It is high time this regional border crisis is humanized and centered around the needs of Gilgit-Baltistanis.