THE constitutional position of Gilgit-Baltistan, as stated by Information Minister Pervez Rasheed, is not new at all. The government has several times proclaimed that the region of Gilgit-Baltistan is not a constitutional part of Pakistan and it cannot be integrated into the Constitution under international law.

Now the youths, most of whom are studying in big cities of Pakistan, have become more concerned over the legal position of the region.

Their political socialisation in Pakistan best serves to make them realise their status in Pakistan among the students of other four provinces.

Protests recorded on the social media against the minister’s statement show that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are now more concerned about their legal status.

This consciousness may articulate itself in the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Sibtain Abbas

Khomer Yarkot, Gilgit

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2014