ELECTIONS in Gilgit-Baltistan are scheduled in the second week of the coming month. This part of Pakistan has many distinguishing features from the rest of the country.

At the same time, GB is known for its high literacy rate. Many political thinkers are of the opinion that true democracy is found only in a literate society.

Democracy without a substantial rate of literacy is poisonous. Education is the only tool which enables people to differentiate between good and bad, right and wrong. Only a literate person may be wise enough to vote for the right candidate. The upcoming general elections will be an acid test for the GB people.

According to the media and intelligentsia of Pakistan, people are now more conscious of the importance of their vote and its subsequent impacts on their lives.

We are optimistic and hope that this time the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will set new trends through the ballots and set an example for the country.

Prof Muhammad Issa

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2015

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