Constitutional reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan

Courtesy: ViewPoint

Gilgit-Baltistan is the name given to the northern areas of Pakistan, which were previously called Federally Administered northern Areas. This region used to be a part of Kashmir during British raj, under control of Maharaj Hari Singh. In 1935 Maharaja leased this region to British for 60 years. At the time of partition in 1947 people of this region along with Gilgit Scouts and 6-J & K Infantry Battalion revolted against the Maharaja. By the beginning of 1949 entire region of Gilgit Baltistan became a part of Pakistan. According to the UN resolutions, this area is a part of disputed Kashmir region. From 1940 till 1970, this region was a part of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In 1970 this region was brought under direct federal control separated from Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, instituted Northern Area Council which was an advisory council consisting from the elected representatives of this region. In 2009, the PPP government introduced Empowerment and Self-governance Ordinance 2009 for Gilgit-Baltistan. This move gave a locally elected government to people of Gilgit Baltistan but it has limited authority and this Ordinance doesn’t have constitutional cover.

The case of new Provinces

PPP first raised voice for creation of new provinces, particularly about Siraiki province. After them many voices for new provinces started coming from different corners of the country. The stakeholders in the case of new provinces are PPP, PML-N and other regional parties and individuals. Some people stress on the inevitability of the new provinces others simply say that this new issue is another political stunt. This issue is the topic for most of TV talk shows these days, where different people have their different opinion.

The core of this issue lies in southern Punjab. There is a popular demand to form Siraiki province there comprising of four out of nine divisions of Punjab. Traditionally Southern Punjab has been PPP stronghold. They think by creating Siraiki province they will not only form government in it but also reduce the political power of PML-N in Punjab. Naturally PML-N is opposing the issue for obvious reasons. They have adopted a new stance on the issue that the new provinces should be formed on administrative basis and in entire Pakistan not in Punjab only.