Daily Times

Sir: Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed region with an ambivalent constitutional status. Fortunately, in 2014 the Chinese government pledged US $ 46 billion towards various projects aimed at catalysing infrastructural development in Pakistan. It was perceived that this project will develop all areas of Pakistan uniformly but the reality is quite the opposite. The name of this region is seldom mentioned in the statements of government functionaries regarding CPEC.

The only economic zone proposed for Gilgit-Baltistan was upgrading of Karakoram Highway and eight other projects but all are confined to paper works. The governor of Gilgit spoke sporadically, about injustices but the federal government has turned blind eye to this region. A few months ago, the new projects were proposed for Balochistan and Sindh but not a single for Gilgit.

It is alarming that the division of Gilgit along with other areas excluded from the benefits of this project. The people of Gilgit joined Pakistan to become Pakistani and enjoy equal rights and privileges of Pakistan with equal representation in the Parliament but still there is no constitutional status. The federal government should redress the grievances of its natives. If this project generated controversies and sense of neglect, it would surely cause collapse of this golden opportunity for Pakistan.

MEHWISH IQRAR

Gilgit