Saltoro Valley

Saltoro valley is the highest valley in Pakistan and is located within the region of Baltistan.[1] This valley is under the administration of Pakistan and is situated near the Saltoro Mountain Range which includes the prominent Saltoro Kangri peak and the Saltoro River. Saltoro Valley is in proximity to the Siachen Glacier, which is the world's highest battleground and a disputed territory between India and Pakistan.[2][3]

United Nations map of Siachen Glacier showing "Point NJ980420" (Point NJ9842) as the starting point of the "Actual Ground Position Line" (AGPL), Goma military camp of Pakistan, Nubra River valley and Siachen glaciers held by India, and Bilafond La and Sia La also held by India. Masherbrum Range, Baltoro Glacier, Baltoro Glacier, Baltoro Muztagh and K2 are held by Pakistan.

UN map showing Siachen in white. Line between the green and white area is the "Actual Ground Position Line" (AGPL). The white area east of the AGPL is held by India.

Indo-Pak mutually-agreed undisputed "International Border" (IB) in the black line, Indo-Pak "Line of Control" (LoC) in black dotted line in the north and west, Indo-Sino "Line of Actual" (LAC) in black dotted line in the east, Indo-Pak line across Siachen in north is "Actual Ground Position Line" (AGPL). The areas shown in green are the two Pakistani-controlled areas: Gilgit–Baltistan in the north and Azad Kashmir in the south. The area shown in orange is the Indian-controlled territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the diagonally-hatched area to the east is the Chinese-controlled area known as Aksai Chin. "Territories ceded by Pakistan to China claimed by India" in the north is Shaksgam (Trans-Karakoram Tract).

The Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) divides the region held by India and Pakistan in the disputed Siachen area, running through the Saltoro Mountain Range. In this area, higher peaks and passes are held by India, while Pakistan occupies the lower peaks and valleys.[4] In 1984, India conducted Operation Meghdoot, capturing most of the contested Siachen area.

In April 1986, Pakistan launched an assault in the region and gained control of a high point south of Bilafond La, establishing a military post on this peak, which they named "Quaid Post" in honor of their leader,Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.[2][3] However, between June 23 and June 26, 1987, India initiated a counter-operation named Operation Rajiv, recapturing the post from Pakistan. They renamed it Bana Top, in tribute to Bana Singh, who had been awarded India's highest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.[5][3][2]