GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government and opposition leaders on Saturday reacted strongly to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement about the region and termed his remarks “ridiculous”.

GB Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid, the cabinet members and opposition leader in the assembly warned the Indian minister that the people of GB “will be first people to defend natural and ideological borders of Pakistan”.

In a video message, Mr Khurshid said the Indian defence minister “might not be aware of the freedom spirit and history of the people of GB”.

The brave people of GB have driven Dogra rulers and got freedom before unconditionally annexing the region with Pakistan, he added.

“Even after its independence, the people of GB have crushed Indian ambitions in wars, including Kargil, and protected the natural and ideological borders of Pakistan.”

Also, opposition leader in GB assembly Amjad Hussain said GB was “the first defence line of Pakistan”. He said India was culpable for oppression of people in held Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.