ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Information Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Ghulam Abbas on Wednesday rejected what he termed Indian propaganda, saying the people of GB have always been loyal to Pakistan and have consistently struggled to become a formal part of the country.

Speaking at the ‘Meet the Press’ programme at the National Press Club, along with GB chief minister’s spokesperson Shabbir Mir, it was highlighted that Gilgit-Baltistan separated from India without major violence, as the people of the region voluntarily chose to hoist the Pakistani flag.

He was accompanied by NPC President Azhar Jatoi, President GB Journalists Forum Abrar Hussain Astori, NPC Governing Body member Jafar Ali Balti, and former RIUJ president Abid Abbasi.

“The Indian propaganda and the statements of Narendra Modi claiming that the people of GB are protesting against Pakistan to join India have become a laughing stock in the region,” Mr Abbas said, adding that “this narrative is not even being accepted by the international community.”

Mr Mir said that while separatist movements exist in many parts of the world, there is a strong voice and movement in Gilgit-Baltistan demanding that the region be made part of Pakistan and declared the country’s fifth province.

Highlighting the priorities of the interim government, Mr Abbas said its first priority was to hold the upcoming elections in a “free and transparent” manner. He added that he believed in media freedom and that the system would remain open to scrutiny by the press.

He said all political parties would be given a level playing field to participate in the upcoming general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Responding to a question, Mr Abbas said efforts would be made to resolve issues related to internet coverage and information technology in collaboration with the federal Ministry of Information Technology.

“The caretaker chief minister has given clear directives to identify the problems faced by the people, such as electricity, internet and other issues, and to make every possible effort to resolve them,” he said, adding that the government would also ensure health and welfare measures for journalists.

The caretaker information minister said the government’s term ended in November 2025, after which Justice (R) Yar Muhammad was appointed as caretaker chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan.

He added that the caretaker government was making full efforts to address key issues in the region, including maintaining public order and resolving electricity shortages.

It was further stated that the chief minister of GB had formed committees to address these matters and was personally monitoring their progress.

Mr Abbas also said that work on an important solar project in Gilgit-Baltistan was progressing rapidly, with tendering and other processes being fast-tracked.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2026