THE people of Gilgit Baltistan have been demanding their right to be bona fide citizens of Pakistan. Gilgit Baltistan unconditionally annexed itself to Pakistan in 1947. The Gilgit Baltistanis are patriotic and loyal to Pakistan and ready to render any kind of sacrifice for it.

The federal government has always been reluctant to give GB its constitutional right by giving it representation in the Senate and in the National Assembly, stating that GB is a disputed territory.

The federal government cannot do this. It should incorporate GB in the national sphere and make it a province.

Long live Pakistan, Long live Gilgit Baltistan

Zahid Ali

Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2017