The Northern Areas of Pakistan, defined in general terms, cover the districts of Gilgit, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Skardu and Ganche. It is spread over 72,496 sq. km with a  present population of nearly one million and a low density of 8 persons per sq. km, living in some 650 villages. Gilgit town is the administrative capital of the region. The Northern Areas are a multi ethnic society and the main languages are Shina, Burushiski, Khawar, Wakhi and Balti.

Nature has endowed the area with high peaks and large glaciers concentrated in a relatively small radius. Each district can boast of at least one lofty peak. K-2 with a height of 8,611 m (28,416 ft) lies majestically in Skardu district. Nanga Parbat, 8,138 m (26,855 ft) high, is located in Diamer whereas the 7,788 m (25,700 ft) high Rakaposhi is situated in Gilgit. Some 28 peaks of the area are over 20,000 ft high.

Gilgit, Skardu and Ghanche districts offer some formidable glaciers like Biafo, Baltoro and Siachin which is 72 km long and one of the largest in the world outside the poles.

Geopolitically it is the most strategic area of Pakistan. It touches Sinkiang in the north and Afghanistan in the northwest with the Central Asian countries close behind. On the southern side there is a 300 miles long ceasefire line with Indian-held Kashmir. With the opening of the