THIS refers to many letters on Gilgit-Baltistan. I am shocked to read their remarks regarding the rights of Gilgit-Baltistan people.

The people of the region have all the rights under the constitution of Pakistan like people in any other province. As far as the full constitutional status is concerned, there are international complications which need to be understood.

As for the incompetence of their representatives, it’s the failure of the GB people to select the right people. The state has nothing to do with it. Timbers are stolen by the local people ignoring the laws of the land.

It is shocking that some GB citizens blame the state for not facilitating them. We have all the rights and so we must fulfill our responsibilities as loyal citizens of the country.

Fiyaz ul Rehman

Chilas, Gilgit Baltistan

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2017