Gilgit-Baltistan is rich in natural resources. It plays a major role in the economic growth of Pakistan as the only route, i.e the Karakoram Highway, to our friend and neighbour China passes through Gilgit-Baltistan.

The area is also being highlighted to be the central business hub to be connected to the Gawadar Port.

Gilgit-Baltistan is said to be a part of the India-occupied Kashmir in the past.

There are different views about the past status of Gilgit-Baltistan. Now the current status of Gilgit-Baltistan is named with independent state but the political affairs of the area are in the hands of the federal government.

During Gen Pervez Musharraf’s government the legislative council of Gilgit-Baltistan was promoted to the legislative assembly. During the PPP government, it was given the status of a province and the political setup was changed.

The governor and the chief minister were appointed for the provincial setup but all in vain. The budget is still the same as before affiliated with the federal territory.

The so-called province of Gilgit-Baltistan has still not been given its constitutional right in the National Assembly.

Many of the political representatives from different parties during their visits to Giglit Baltistan have made false promises to raise the constitutional right of Gilgit- Baltistan in the National Assembly. However, no voice has been raised in the National Assembly for its right.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during his visit to Attabad in 2010 had promised to give the territory a separate seat in the National Assembly if he won the 2013 elections.

Recently, Senator Faisal Raza Abidi visited the area.

He also promised to raise the issue of the constitutional right of Gilgit-Baltistan in the National Assembly.

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan are still waiting for their constitutional right. I would urge those who had vowed to raise the issue to fulfil their promises.

TARIQ RAHIM BAIG Gulmit, Hunza