Mir of Hunza

The Mir of Hunza was the title of the rulers of the Hunza Valley in the Northern Areas, Pakistan.

The Mir used to have the Burushaski title of Thum (also Tham or Thom), later changed to Mir. In 1974( Mir is not a recent title, the history goes back to Shakhan brought from Darwas. When Raja Maghlut of Nagar killed Raja Gikisking of Hunza both migrated from Gilgit the Wazir Machusing with his brother Mamusing went to Darwaz in Badakhshan and brought Shakhan as King of Hunza this title was used for the Kings of Hunza first time as Shakhan become the King of Hunza. Word Raja comes from Indien languages while Mir from Pamiri languages. If one can visit the books of British Empire time this title can be seen used for Mir Nazim Khan, Sfdar Khan, Ghazan Khan Hunza and for their forefathers) the state became a part of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan under the Pakistani Federal Government. The last Mir of Hunza was Mir Muhammad Jamal Khan. In the years to follow, the title of Mir was used as symbol of respect for the former Mirs of Hunza. Consequently, Mir Mohammad Jamal Khan's eldest son, Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan (born 31 December 1945) uses the title of Mir on his official documents. Amongst other benefits to the former rulers, the federal Government also pays a privy purse or a monthly stipend to the current Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan. The family is also allowed to retain the former vehicle number plates bearing 'Hunza'. It is true Ghazanfar is using the title of his forefathers

After the abolishment of Hunza State, the Northern Areas, now known as Gilgit-Baltistan region fell under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan contested the elections several times from his hometown of Karimabab, Hunza and served as a member of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. His last position of prominence was becoming the Leader of the House and the first Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan under the rule of President Musharraf.

In the general election of 2009, Mir Ghazanfar's son, Prince Shehryar Khan (born 5 June 1977) contested the election in place of his father but did not succeed in securing the majority votes from the region; however, he won by a majority in his hometown of Karimabad, Hunza.

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