THE federal cabinet on Aug 29 unanimously approved the new Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Ordinance 2009, giving more internal and political autonomy to the Northern Areas.

The Northern Areas was part of the formerly princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. At the time of partition, the people had opted to be a part of Pakistan.

But to their bad luck, still the Northern Areas is not fully included in Pakistan. Its inhabitants have never had any representation in the National Assembly or have been included in the process of decision-making.

This is more than 1.8 million people having diverse linguistic, ethnic and religious groups continuously demanding basic rights which have been given to other federating units of Pakistan, including the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly, but their genuine demands have not been acceded to.

In 1999, the Pakistan Supreme Court issued a landmark verdict directing Islamabad to extend fundamental freedom to the Northern Areas, but the region is still ruled by a string from Islamabad through the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas.

On the other hand, India is considering this strategically important region as a part of Occupied Kashmir.

The government has claimed that all stakeholders were taken on board prior to getting approval of the ordinance from the cabinet. However, it seems that this has fallen short of the aspirations of the people.

Many have termed it as old wine in a new bottle or gimmickry of words or political drama.

It would have been best if it was debated in the National Assembly and provided constitutional protection as per the aspirations of the people concerned.

MEHBOOB ALI LALANI
Karachi

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
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...