EVER since the federal government announced the intention to elevate the existing administrative status of Gilgit-Baltistan, there are a number of issues that are under discussion in many a quarter.

For instance, what does a provisional provincial status mean? If it means a de facto provincial setup, don’t we have one already? And if we have, then what is the revision for?

In 2009, the PPP government introduced the provincial setup in GB for the first time through its GB Empowerment and Self-Governance Order.

The said order granted the provincial status to GB, which came without a constitutional guarantee, making it a provisional provincial setup.

This political status has remained unaltered in subsequent orders and GB is being governed under the said setup to date.

It is, therefore, surprisingly unusual for the populace of GB to comprehend what this current revision actually means. Since the proposed setup is already in place, why has the government pledged to give what has been already given?

The puzzling promise can make sense only when the official documents regarding the elevation of GB’s political status will be revealed.

The people of GB continue to hope for a better tomorrow.

Assad Abbas
Gilgit

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THE independence day of Gilgit-Baltistan falls on Nov 1. It was on that day when the people struggled, made sacrifices, gained independence from the Dogra rule and annexed to Pakistan. Politically, GB people’s struggle continues as the fate of GB remains connected to the Kashmir issue.

Elections are held for two seats in the Kashmir legislative assembly in Karachi and the Kashmiri people living in the metropolis exercise their right to vote. Therefore, as a matter of principle and a right, the people from GB should also be given this right, and there should be two or more seats in Karachi for the GB legislative assembly.

If this is not possible, then the chief election commissioner should set up polling booths in different localities for the people belonging to GB. It will be more appropriate if 10 seats of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) are also given to GB.

Besides, economic development is vital for any nation’s prosperity. Considering this, and human rights, a resolution should be tabled in the Senate and the National Assembly to open the Skardu-Kargil-Khaplo border.

Manzoor Masiam Baltistani
Baltistan

Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2020