Daily Times

Sir: Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), an area of high strategic and logistical significance, spreads over 28,000 sq km. The people of the area, after the liberation of GB as a result of an armed revolt against the then notorious Dogra regime in November 1947, aspired for annexation with Pakistan and constitutional recognition for their area, but they remained politically orphaned and constitutionally deprived.

These areas still have no say in national affairs and representation in legislative bodies at the federal level. They are deprived of the very right to vote. With the promulgation of the GB Empowerment Order 2009, Islamabad claimed accomplishment of longstanding demands of the people of GB. As per the new amendments in the Order, the powers of the Federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas have been truncated and vested in the first provincial government of the area. The federal government claims this order is a panacea for the miseries faced by the area and counts it among the prodigious achievements during its tenure, stating the area has been conferred with autonomy and self-rule. However, the people of the area do not give any impression of satisfaction with what is propagated to be a popular decision. Owing to the strategically vital position of the area, Pakistan cannot afford to neglect the area for too long, as political giants like India and China also have their interests vested in the area. The nationalists in the area are voicing demands for a separate state named Balawaristan, irked by the constant indifference shown by Islamabad towards their justified needs. These elements are getting the attention of the populace of the area.

It is time that the government should heed the concerns voiced by the people of the area and make substantial efforts to eliminate their long existent grievances. These areas should not be subjected to the Kashmir cause, as the people have struggled to win them liberty and renounce any association with Kashmir. A fifth province can be established comprising the areas of Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza Nagar, Skardu, Ganche, Diamer and Astore. It will award these areas a constitutional status and Pakistan will be saved from a potential threat of internal instability brewing stealthily.

ZAMAN PUNYALI

Lahore