Islamic International University Islamic International University IslamabadIslamabad

Muhammad Qasi Bs 4Muhammad Qasi Bs 4 thth

sociology departmentsociology department

The Gilgit Baltistan The Gilgit Baltistan political history & new political history & new

ReformsReforms

Gilgit BaltistanGilgit Baltistan• Gilgit Baltistan was formerly Gilgit Baltistan was formerly

known as the Northern Areas known as the Northern Areas of Pakistan is located in of Pakistan is located in northern Pakistannorthern Pakistan..

• Gilgit Balt istan Gilgit Balt istan Borders:Borders:

• North North Afghanistan Afghanistan

• Northeast China Northeast China

• South Azad Jammu South Azad Jammu Kashmir Kashmir

• Southeast IndiaSoutheast India

• ajkajk

Afghanistan china

India

AJK

History of Gilgit Balt istanHistory of Gilgit Balt istan• Gilgit-Baltistan has developed and preserved Gilgit-Baltistan has developed and preserved (kept something (kept something

old) old) its unique history, cultural values and traditional political its unique history, cultural values and traditional political identity.identity.

• Over the centuries, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan came under the Over the centuries, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan came under the control of the Durrani Empire of Afghanistan.control of the Durrani Empire of Afghanistan.

• Four centuries of Muslim rule under the Mughals (until 1751) Four centuries of Muslim rule under the Mughals (until 1751) and the Afghan Durranis, who ruled until 1820.and the Afghan Durranis, who ruled until 1820.

• Between 1832 and 1860, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan was Between 1832 and 1860, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan was conquered by the Sikhs and the Dogras.conquered by the Sikhs and the Dogras.

• Between 1935 and 1947 the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan was Between 1935 and 1947 the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan was given to the British. To keep watch on the development of given to the British. To keep watch on the development of in Xinjiang and Afghanistan.in Xinjiang and Afghanistan.

• The British Indian Government got attraction in the region The British Indian Government got attraction in the region following the political developments in Russian and following the political developments in Russian and Chinese Turkistan during the late 19th century.Chinese Turkistan during the late 19th century.

• It was easy for them to keep eyes on political development It was easy for them to keep eyes on political development in china and Russain form Gilgit Baltistan..in china and Russain form Gilgit Baltistan..

Medieval to Modern TimeMedieval to Modern Time•   In the medieval times, Gilgit-Baltistan remained outside Mughal control. In the medieval times, Gilgit-Baltistan remained outside Mughal control.

And afghan Duranies wera in Gilgit Baltiestan.And afghan Duranies wera in Gilgit Baltiestan.• While Gilgit retained its independent status until the Gilgit-Baltistan came under the While Gilgit retained its independent status until the Gilgit-Baltistan came under the

control of Dogra rulers of Kashmir in the middle of 18th centurycontrol of Dogra rulers of Kashmir in the middle of 18th century. . • By the end of 19th century, the British Government created the Gilgit By the end of 19th century, the British Government created the Gilgit

agency.agency.• And appointed a political agent, under a lease agreement with Maharaja And appointed a political agent, under a lease agreement with Maharaja

Hari sing of Kashmir.Hari sing of Kashmir.• In 1947, the people of Gilgit Baltistan fought against the Maharaja and got In 1947, the people of Gilgit Baltistan fought against the Maharaja and got

independenceindependence..

  Geographically division before Geographically division before paristionparistion

•Before partition of the sub-Continent, the state of Before partition of the sub-Continent, the state of Jammu and Kashmir with a total area of 84,471 Jammu and Kashmir with a total area of 84,471 square miles, was geographically divided into square miles, was geographically divided into following three big regionsfollowing three big regions: : 

•   Jammu Province (12,378 sq. milesJammu Province (12,378 sq. miles

• Kashmir Province (8,539 sq.) milesKashmir Province (8,539 sq.) miles

• Frontier Province of Ladakh and Gilgit Frontier Province of Ladakh and Gilgit (63,554 sq) miles(63,554 sq) miles

• In 1947, a part of the state gained independence and was In 1947, a part of the state gained independence and was called Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which has an area of 5,134 called Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which has an area of 5,134 square miles. square miles. 

• After winning freedom came under the administrative control of After winning freedom came under the administrative control of Pakistan through an agreement. Pakistan through an agreement.

• While 72,496 square miles of the Frontier Province of Gilgit While 72,496 square miles of the Frontier Province of Gilgit Baltistan was still in the hand of Dogras Raj.Baltistan was still in the hand of Dogras Raj.

•   On 1st November 1947, the local population of Gilgit Baltistan On 1st November 1947, the local population of Gilgit Baltistan of Gilgit-Baltistan fought the Dogra Raj and have their own of Gilgit-Baltistan fought the Dogra Raj and have their own independent republic.independent republic.

• This Gilgit government, along with similar governments in This Gilgit government, along with similar governments in Muzaffarabad and Sringar, formed the three UN-recognized Muzaffarabad and Sringar, formed the three UN-recognized ““interim”interim”(temporary)(temporary) governments in the disputed former state governments in the disputed former state of three provinces.of three provinces.

• However, following the India-Pakistan War of However, following the India-Pakistan War of 1947, 1947,

• Pakistan occupied the territories to the north Pakistan occupied the territories to the north and west and west

• of the cease-fire and divided the territory into..of the cease-fire and divided the territory into..

• Northern Areas of (Gilgit-Baltistan) Northern Areas of (Gilgit-Baltistan)

• And Azad, Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in the And Azad, Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in the south.south.

Constitutional Posit ionConstitutional Posit ion• Historically these areas belong to Dogra State of Jammu and Historically these areas belong to Dogra State of Jammu and

Kashmir.Kashmir.• On March 29, 1935, the British government took back Gilgit On March 29, 1935, the British government took back Gilgit

Agency from the state government, through a lease agreement for Agency from the state government, through a lease agreement for 60 years.60 years.

• However by August 1, 1947, the areas were returned to the state However by August 1, 1947, the areas were returned to the state government jammu and kashmir, because the British had decided government jammu and kashmir, because the British had decided partitioning of the Indian sub-continentpartitioning of the Indian sub-continent..

Elections held in 1934, 1937 Elections held in 1934, 1937 and 1941.and 1941.• In the state elections held in 1934, 1937 In the state elections held in 1934, 1937

and 1941.and 1941.• Five representatives of these areas were Five representatives of these areas were

taken in the Jammu & Kashmir assembly.taken in the Jammu & Kashmir assembly.• Even in the last state assembly, which Even in the last state assembly, which

terminated in 1947, the areas were terminated in 1947, the areas were represented. represented. 

The State of GilgitThe State of Gilgit• On 1On 1stst November the state of Gilgit was established November the state of Gilgit was established • The state existed for 15 days The state existed for 15 days • Shah Raees was the President Shah Raees was the President

of the state of Gilgitof the state of Gilgit• The states of Hunza, Nagar and other The states of Hunza, Nagar and other

rulers of princely states requested rulers of princely states requested Pakistan to take control of the region Pakistan to take control of the region

• The state of Gilgit was abolished on 16The state of Gilgit was abolished on 16 thth November 1947 and the November 1947 and the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) was promulgated by Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) was promulgated by Sardar Alam Khan, Pakistan’s political agent, in the region Sardar Alam Khan, Pakistan’s political agent, in the region

• Through a jointly formed armed struggle of the local people, the Gilgit Through a jointly formed armed struggle of the local people, the Gilgit Scouts.Scouts.

• and the Muslim officers of the Maharaja’s army,and the Muslim officers of the Maharaja’s army,• the area was liberated on November 1, 1947 and an interim the area was liberated on November 1, 1947 and an interim

government constituted under Raja Shah Rais Khan of Gilgit.government constituted under Raja Shah Rais Khan of Gilgit.• At that time Gilgit Baltistan was an independent republic for almost 2 At that time Gilgit Baltistan was an independent republic for almost 2

weeks. And had their own self government under the Rajs and the weeks. And had their own self government under the Rajs and the gilgit balistan soutes.( the army)gilgit balistan soutes.( the army)

• The gilgit baltistan people had many option to join chain, india, or to The gilgit baltistan people had many option to join chain, india, or to make their own independent state.make their own independent state.

• After having self independent state for 2 weeks GB people invited After having self independent state for 2 weeks GB people invited government of Pakistan through a telegram to take control of the government of Pakistan through a telegram to take control of the areas.areas.

• Responding to this request Sardar Responding to this request Sardar Muhammad Alam (A tehsildar in the Muhammad Alam (A tehsildar in the NWFP government at that time) was NWFP government at that time) was appointed and sent to Gilgit on 16th appointed and sent to Gilgit on 16th November 1947, as government of November 1947, as government of Pakistan’s political agent..Pakistan’s political agent..

Map details and explanation of GB Map details and explanation of GB areas under Pakistan,areas under Pakistan,• Map of the state of Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir Affairs in Map of the state of Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir Affairs in

February 1954 shows Gilgit and Baltistan both in terms of area and February 1954 shows Gilgit and Baltistan both in terms of area and population, as part of the state of pakistan . Also the maps population, as part of the state of pakistan . Also the maps published by Survey of Pakistan continued to show the Northern published by Survey of Pakistan continued to show the Northern Areas( GB) as part of pakistan.Areas( GB) as part of pakistan.

The constituation details and The constituation details and explanation of the areas under explanation of the areas under PakistanPakistan• The geographic details and explanation of the The geographic details and explanation of the

areas under Pakistan.areas under Pakistan.• As given in the constitutions of 1956, 1962 and As given in the constitutions of 1956, 1962 and

1973, do not cover Northern Areas (GB) as part 1973, do not cover Northern Areas (GB) as part of Pakistan.of Pakistan.

• When Martial Law was imposed in 1958, it was When Martial Law was imposed in 1958, it was not extended to Northern Areas (GB), because not extended to Northern Areas (GB), because according to the principle stand of Pakistan, according to the principle stand of Pakistan, these areas (still) did not belong to Pakistan these areas (still) did not belong to Pakistan [Their fate was yet to be decided].[Their fate was yet to be decided].

Azad Kashmir High Court opinion Azad Kashmir High Court opinion on Gilgit and Baltistan March 18, on Gilgit and Baltistan March 18, 1993)1993)

• While establishing the constitutional future of the While establishing the constitutional future of the Northern Areas, the full bench of the Azad Northern Areas, the full bench of the Azad Kashmir High Court (verdict on Gilgit and Kashmir High Court (verdict on Gilgit and Baltistan March 18, 1993) held in a petition filed Baltistan March 18, 1993) held in a petition filed by Mohammad Miskeen and Haji Bashir Khan of by Mohammad Miskeen and Haji Bashir Khan of Gilgit and Shaikh Abdul Aziz Advocate of Gilgit and Shaikh Abdul Aziz Advocate of Muzaffarabad.Muzaffarabad.

• Under the Provisional Constitutional Act, 1974, Under the Provisional Constitutional Act, 1974, the (A.K.) High Court has the right to hear all the (A.K.) High Court has the right to hear all petitions concerning Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit petitions concerning Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan’Baltistan’

• And (the Court) also has right to hear cases in And (the Court) also has right to hear cases in all matters pertaining to Gilgit and Baltistan.all matters pertaining to Gilgit and Baltistan.

• Northern Areas (Gilgit and Baltistan) are part of Northern Areas (Gilgit and Baltistan) are part of Azad Kashmir, historically and constitutionally.Azad Kashmir, historically and constitutionally.

• The Azad Kashmir government should establish The Azad Kashmir government should establish administrative and legal institutions in these administrative and legal institutions in these areas.areas.

The government of AJ&K appealed The government of AJ&K appealed against the decision of the High Court against the decision of the High Court in the AJ&K Supreme Courtin the AJ&K Supreme Court• The government of AJ&K appealed against the The government of AJ&K appealed against the

decision of the High Court in the AJ&K Supreme decision of the High Court in the AJ&K Supreme Court.Court.

• which announced its decision on 14, September, which announced its decision on 14, September, 1994 stating.1994 stating.

• No doubt, that Northern Areas (GB) are part of No doubt, that Northern Areas (GB) are part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir – but not of the state of Jammu and Kashmir – but not of Azad Kashmir. Therefore, the government need Azad Kashmir. Therefore, the government need not take administrative control of these areas.not take administrative control of these areas.  

• The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the government vide its decision of May 28, 1999, government vide its decision of May 28, 1999, that Northern Areas were constitutional part of that Northern Areas were constitutional part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

• Gilgit Baltistan is not part of Azad Kashmir Gilgit Baltistan is not part of Azad Kashmir before November 1, 1947 it is part of jammu before November 1, 1947 it is part of jammu kashmir and they fight against Dogra Raj and kashmir and they fight against Dogra Raj and win battle over them and made a independent win battle over them and made a independent Gilgit BaltistanGilgit Baltistan. .

The Indian StandThe Indian Stand

• The Indian Constitution provides that the The Indian Constitution provides that the Northern Areas [of Pakistan] and Azad Northern Areas [of Pakistan] and Azad Kashmir are part of the Indian Union. That Kashmir are part of the Indian Union. That is why the Indian Occupied Kashmir is why the Indian Occupied Kashmir Assembly has 25 seats reserved for Azad Assembly has 25 seats reserved for Azad Kashmir, Gilgit and Baltistan, on the basis Kashmir, Gilgit and Baltistan, on the basis of 1941-51 census.of 1941-51 census.

Post Independence Progress 1947Post Independence Progress 1947

• Sardar Muhammad Alam took over as Political Agent of Pakistan in Sardar Muhammad Alam took over as Political Agent of Pakistan in November 1947.November 1947.

• The The Frontier Crimes Regulations Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) were enforced over whole (FCR) were enforced over whole of Northern Areas. of Northern Areas.

• This was the English law for the tribal areas through which a civil This was the English law for the tribal areas through which a civil servant exercised all judicial and administrative powers 1974.servant exercised all judicial and administrative powers 1974.

• Furthermore, a feature of the new system was that the Political Furthermore, a feature of the new system was that the Political

Agent was placed under the Political Resident of the NWFPAgent was placed under the Political Resident of the NWFP..  

• Under the Resident, there used to be two Political Agents, one Under the Resident, there used to be two Political Agents, one each for Gilgit and Baltistan agencies. Each of the Political each for Gilgit and Baltistan agencies. Each of the Political Agents exercised the following powers simultaneously in his Agents exercised the following powers simultaneously in his jurisdiction:jurisdiction:

• District and Session JudgeDistrict and Session Judge• District MagistrateDistrict Magistrate• Revenue Collector Revenue Collector (income tex collector)(income tex collector)• Commissioner for FCR Commissioner for FCR (Frontier Crimes Regulations )(Frontier Crimes Regulations )• Inspector General, PoliceInspector General, Police• Chairman District CouncilChairman District Council• Controlling Officer of Cooperative Society Controlling Officer of Cooperative Society 

The above list is well indicative of the powers and authority of The above list is well indicative of the powers and authority of the Resident and Political Agent.the Resident and Political Agent.

First political organizationFirst political organization

• Colonel Mirza Hasan Khan, the hero of the Colonel Mirza Hasan Khan, the hero of the freedom war, established a party – the Gilgit freedom war, established a party – the Gilgit League – in 1957. This was the first political League – in 1957. This was the first political organization set up at the local level. organization set up at the local level.

• During the 1960 an organization was established During the 1960 an organization was established named “Gilgit and Baltistan Jamhoori Mahaz” named “Gilgit and Baltistan Jamhoori Mahaz” (Democratic Front)(Democratic Front)

• In 1973 “Gilgit and Baltistan Students In 1973 “Gilgit and Baltistan Students Federation” was organized in Karachi by the Federation” was organized in Karachi by the students of the area studying in Karachistudents of the area studying in Karachi..

• Organization played an important role in Organization played an important role in introducing the problems of the rights of introducing the problems of the rights of Northern Areas’ people in a Metropolitan like Northern Areas’ people in a Metropolitan like Karachi.Karachi.

Elections in Northern Areas Elections in Northern Areas (GB)(GB)• Elections in Northern Areas conducted for the Elections in Northern Areas conducted for the

first time in 1970.first time in 1970.• These were for the NA Advisory Council These were for the NA Advisory Council

consisting of 16 members. consisting of 16 members. • It was the first representative body of the It was the first representative body of the

Northern Areas. While the Council had the Northern Areas. While the Council had the power to sanction development schemes it was power to sanction development schemes it was almost helpless in all other matters.almost helpless in all other matters.

• The 16 members work under the minster of The 16 members work under the minster of Kashmir affairs. Lately he is called chairman of Kashmir affairs. Lately he is called chairman of the members.the members.

The Mr.Z.A. Bhutto Are 1972The Mr.Z.A. Bhutto Are 1972

• In August 1972 the government of Mr. Z. A. Bhutto In August 1972 the government of Mr. Z. A. Bhutto brought about fundamental structural reforms in GB.brought about fundamental structural reforms in GB.

• The system of Feudal Lords, Rajas, Mirs and Agency The system of Feudal Lords, Rajas, Mirs and Agency was abolished.was abolished.

• Gilgit and Baltistan agencies were given the status of Gilgit and Baltistan agencies were given the status of districts;districts;

• ““Resident” and “Political Agent” were re-named Resident” and “Political Agent” were re-named Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, respectively.respectively.

• With general amnesty and the process of With general amnesty and the process of administrative reforms, “Tanzeem-e-Millat” administrative reforms, “Tanzeem-e-Millat” (political party of GB) got merged in the Pakistan (political party of GB) got merged in the Pakistan People’s Party.People’s Party.

• In September 1974, Prime Minister Bhutto visited In September 1974, Prime Minister Bhutto visited Northern Areas. On the occasion, he declared Northern Areas. On the occasion, he declared Ganchi and Ghazar as two new districts and Ganchi and Ghazar as two new districts and abolished the state of Hunza from Mirsabolished the state of Hunza from Mirs

Martial law by Gel zia ul haqMartial law by Gel zia ul haq

• When on July 5, 1977 General Zia ul Haq When on July 5, 1977 General Zia ul Haq imposed Martial Law in Pakistan,imposed Martial Law in Pakistan,

• The Northern Areas were also declared “Martial The Northern Areas were also declared “Martial Law Zone.Law Zone.

• From the administrative viewpoint, this was the From the administrative viewpoint, this was the first important decision that gave rise to first important decision that gave rise to confusion about the constitutional position of the confusion about the constitutional position of the Northern AreasNorthern Areas. . 

•   In April 1982, the newspapers reported the President stating:In April 1982, the newspapers reported the President stating:

• that GB were not “disputed” areas, but part of Pakistanthat GB were not “disputed” areas, but part of Pakistan

• In Quetta on May 9, 1982, he said: “Kashmir has been a disputed In Quetta on May 9, 1982, he said: “Kashmir has been a disputed issue, but so far as the GB are concerned, we do not accept them issue, but so far as the GB are concerned, we do not accept them disputed.disputed.

• 15 April, 1985, President Zia-ul Haq again indicated, that: Northern 15 April, 1985, President Zia-ul Haq again indicated, that: Northern Areas will be given representation before the next meeting of the Areas will be given representation before the next meeting of the National Assembly, and that elections for the National Assembly National Assembly, and that elections for the National Assembly seats will be held in the three Northern Areas districts including seats will be held in the three Northern Areas districts including Skardu and Gilgit.Skardu and Gilgit.

• 1984-1985 1984-1985 Members of the Committee included the Secretaries of Members of the Committee included the Secretaries of Divisions/ Ministries of Establishment, Finance, Planning, Law, Divisions/ Ministries of Establishment, Finance, Planning, Law, Interior, Education, and Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas. The Interior, Education, and Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas. The Committee soon submitted its report. But it was neither implemented, Committee soon submitted its report. But it was neither implemented, nor made public nor made public  ..shame  ..shame

Conclusion since 1947 to 2009Conclusion since 1947 to 2009• Since 1947 the constitutional and administrative status and Since 1947 the constitutional and administrative status and

fundamental human and political rights of the people of Gilgit-fundamental human and political rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have been discussed between Governments of Pakistan Baltistan have been discussed between Governments of Pakistan and India.and India.

• The constitutions of 1956, 1962 and 1973 of- Pakistan don’t The constitutions of 1956, 1962 and 1973 of- Pakistan don’t recognize Gilgit-Baltistan as part of Pakistan, recognize Gilgit-Baltistan as part of Pakistan,

• GB is not part of of pakistani constitution.GB is not part of of pakistani constitution.• They are neither given representation in the parliament nor a They are neither given representation in the parliament nor a

constitutional mandate to the local assembly.constitutional mandate to the local assembly.• It is clearly explained that GB is not part of Pakistan in term of It is clearly explained that GB is not part of Pakistan in term of

article-1 of the constitution of Pakista.article-1 of the constitution of Pakista.• which spell out territorial limits of the country. But democratic and which spell out territorial limits of the country. But democratic and

military dictators introduced various governing reforms in the area military dictators introduced various governing reforms in the area under different names in order to align it with the emerging under different names in order to align it with the emerging economics and political needs of the countryeconomics and political needs of the country..

The Beautiful Gilgit Baltistan

Drkhut Dollum Yasin Ghazir

Current Gilgit BaltistanCurrent Gilgit Baltistan• The Northern Areas of Pakistan now named as The Northern Areas of Pakistan now named as

“Gilgit-Baltistan” is the homeland of 1.5 million “Gilgit-Baltistan” is the homeland of 1.5 million people.people.

• They are left constitutionally indeterminate state They are left constitutionally indeterminate state for long time after its annexation with Pakistan in for long time after its annexation with Pakistan in 1947. 1947.

• The area is divided into two entities of Gilgit and The area is divided into two entities of Gilgit and Baltistan.Baltistan.

• which further divided into seven administrative which further divided into seven administrative districts ofdistricts of

• Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza-Nagar, Astore, Diamer, Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza-Nagar, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, and Skardu.Ghanche, and Skardu.

THE GILGIT-BALTISTAN REFORMS THE GILGIT-BALTISTAN REFORMS 20092009• Under the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Under the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-

governance order 2009 the name of the area has been governance order 2009 the name of the area has been changed from Northern Areas to Gilgit-Baltistanchanged from Northern Areas to Gilgit-Baltistan

• The Government of Pakistan introduced Gilgit-Baltistan The Government of Pakistan introduced Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009”on Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009”on August 28, 2009.August 28, 2009.

• The reforms package was introduced through a The reforms package was introduced through a presidential order which was approved by the Federal presidential order which was approved by the Federal Cabinet and set forth for immediate implementation. Cabinet and set forth for immediate implementation.

• GB have their own Governer and CM who work under GB have their own Governer and CM who work under the chief sectary of GB which is appointened by fedrel the chief sectary of GB which is appointened by fedrel government.government.

• And the status similar like a province but not a province.And the status similar like a province but not a province.• Because of denied representation in the Parliament and Because of denied representation in the Parliament and

the Senate of Pakistan.the Senate of Pakistan.

• Offices of Governor, Chief Minster and Ministers are created.Offices of Governor, Chief Minster and Ministers are created.• Gilgit-Baltistan Council headed by the Prime Minster of Pakistan.Gilgit-Baltistan Council headed by the Prime Minster of Pakistan.• The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly is delegated with the powers of The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly is delegated with the powers of

approving budget,approving budget,• The GB Assembly will formulate its own Rules of Procedures while The GB Assembly will formulate its own Rules of Procedures while

legislation on various subjects directly to governance will be done by legislation on various subjects directly to governance will be done by the Council and Assembly in their respective jurisdictionthe Council and Assembly in their respective jurisdiction..

• Gilgit-Balt istanSupreme Appellate CourtGilgit-Balt istanSupreme Appellate Court . . • There shall be constituted a Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court, There shall be constituted a Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court,

referred to as the Supreme Appellate Court to be the highest Court of referred to as the Supreme Appellate Court to be the highest Court of Appeal.Appeal.

• The Supreme Appellate Court shall consist of a Chief Judge to be The Supreme Appellate Court shall consist of a Chief Judge to be known as Chief Judge of Gilgit-Baltistan and two other Judges.known as Chief Judge of Gilgit-Baltistan and two other Judges.

• The Chief Judge of Supreme Appellate Court shall be appointed by the The Chief Judge of Supreme Appellate Court shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Council on the advice of the Governor and other Chairman of the Council on the advice of the Governor and other Judges shall be appointed by the Chairman on the advice of Governor Judges shall be appointed by the Chairman on the advice of Governor after seeking views of the Chief Judge.after seeking views of the Chief Judge.

Gilgit Balt istan Assembly lower house Gilgit Balt istan Assembly lower house • The Legislative Assembly shall consist of thirty three members.The Legislative Assembly shall consist of thirty three members.• Twenty four members shall be elected directly on the basis of Twenty four members shall be elected directly on the basis of

election.election.• Seven women members shall be elected on the pattern as in case Seven women members shall be elected on the pattern as in case

of reserved seat in Pakistan. of reserved seat in Pakistan. • Three technocrats and professional members shall be electedThree technocrats and professional members shall be elected..• The Assembly will have its Chief Minster,The Assembly will have its Chief Minster,• Speaker and Deputy Speaker elected by the house.Speaker and Deputy Speaker elected by the house.• The lower house will have 61 subjects for legislation given in the The lower house will have 61 subjects for legislation given in the

fourth schedule of the presidential order.fourth schedule of the presidential order.• Mr. Mehdi Shah has been elected as Chief Minster, Mr. Wazir Beig Mr. Mehdi Shah has been elected as Chief Minster, Mr. Wazir Beig

as Speaker and Mr. Jamil Ahmad as Deputy Speaker. as Speaker and Mr. Jamil Ahmad as Deputy Speaker.

Gilgit Balt istan Council Upper house Gilgit Balt istan Council Upper house • Gilgit Baltistan Council shall consist of the following members .Gilgit Baltistan Council shall consist of the following members .• Prime Minister of PakistanPrime Minister of Pakistan• Governor of GBGovernor of GB• Six members nominated by the PM of Pakistan from time to time Six members nominated by the PM of Pakistan from time to time

from amongst Federal Ministers and members of Parliament.from amongst Federal Ministers and members of Parliament.• The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan.The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan.• The Prime Minister of Pakistan shall be the Chairman of the The Prime Minister of Pakistan shall be the Chairman of the

Council.Council.• whereas The Governor shall be the Vice-Chairman of the Council.whereas The Governor shall be the Vice-Chairman of the Council.• Minister of State for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan shall be an Minister of State for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan shall be an

ex officio non voting member of the Councilex officio non voting member of the Council. .

Legal and constitutional Legal and constitutional protectionprotection

• The reforms package has been promulgated through a The reforms package has been promulgated through a presidential order after its approval by Federal Cabinet.presidential order after its approval by Federal Cabinet.

• According to the constitution of Pakistan the president According to the constitution of Pakistan the president has an authority to issue orders through Ordinances has an authority to issue orders through Ordinances whereas the same would have to be placed before the whereas the same would have to be placed before the parliament for its approval with simple majority to make it parliament for its approval with simple majority to make it an Act of the Parliament before 120 days after the an Act of the Parliament before 120 days after the ordinance was issued.ordinance was issued.

• The executive order of the President has no legal and The executive order of the President has no legal and constitutional binding on future governments to continue constitutional binding on future governments to continue the reforms.the reforms.

Make GB legal the 5Make GB legal the 5 thth province of province of pakistanpakistan• The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have always been defending their The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have always been defending their

association with Pakistan. Although the region is not a constitutional association with Pakistan. Although the region is not a constitutional part of the country, it has never lagged behind any other province in part of the country, it has never lagged behind any other province in terms of sacrifices for the sovereignty of the state.terms of sacrifices for the sovereignty of the state.

• In 1948, the Republic of Gilgit-Baltistan emerged on the map of the In 1948, the Republic of Gilgit-Baltistan emerged on the map of the world and survived only for a couple of weeks. world and survived only for a couple of weeks.

• The people of the region fought their own war against the tyrannical The people of the region fought their own war against the tyrannical regime of Dogra Raj and won their freedom. regime of Dogra Raj and won their freedom.

• Because of the political circumstances that included a lack of Because of the political circumstances that included a lack of resources, governance skills and political leadership, the victorious resources, governance skills and political leadership, the victorious

freedom fighters opted to accede to Pakistan unconditionally.freedom fighters opted to accede to Pakistan unconditionally.  

• In the four wars that Pakistan has fought with India, some of the In the four wars that Pakistan has fought with India, some of the best soldiers in Pakistan Army were from Gilgit-Baltistanbest soldiers in Pakistan Army were from Gilgit-Baltistan

• They fought for the country despite knowing their constitutional They fought for the country despite knowing their constitutional status.status.

• The Kargil War is also an evidence of the love of the people of the The Kargil War is also an evidence of the love of the people of the region with Pakistan.region with Pakistan.

• In 1999, hundreds of soldiers of the Northern Light InfantryIn 1999, hundreds of soldiers of the Northern Light Infantry(NLI)(NLI) sacrificed their lives and fought in extreme conditions to capture sacrificed their lives and fought in extreme conditions to capture Kargil, but they were labeled militants and mujahideen.Kargil, but they were labeled militants and mujahideen.

• They stood by their country despite being disowned. Lalak Jan, who They stood by their country despite being disowned. Lalak Jan, who fought with extraordinary valor in Kargil and was awarded Pakistan’s fought with extraordinary valor in Kargil and was awarded Pakistan’s highest military honor Nishan-e-Haider, was from Gilgit-Baltistan. highest military honor Nishan-e-Haider, was from Gilgit-Baltistan. 

• But 65 years is a long period of time to wait for the right of casting a But 65 years is a long period of time to wait for the right of casting a

vote of having a representative in Islamabad.vote of having a representative in Islamabad.

• Is unfortunate that 80% of Pakistanis don’t even know the status of Is unfortunate that 80% of Pakistanis don’t even know the status of Gilgit-Baltistan,Gilgit-Baltistan,

• Although they always speak for the rights of the people of Indian-Although they always speak for the rights of the people of Indian-administered Kashmir.administered Kashmir.

• The sovereignty of Gilgit-Baltistan is much more important for The sovereignty of Gilgit-Baltistan is much more important for Pakistan than that of Srinagar. Considering the sacrifices and loyalty Pakistan than that of Srinagar. Considering the sacrifices and loyalty of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and considering the strategic of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and considering the strategic important of the region,important of the region,

• It should be given the status of Pakistan’s fifth province.It should be given the status of Pakistan’s fifth province.

• It is the gateway to the natural resources of the Central Asian states It is the gateway to the natural resources of the Central Asian states and the progressive state of China that is a major source of and the progressive state of China that is a major source of economic stability for Pakistan. economic stability for Pakistan.

• The region itself is rich in gold,uranium and The region itself is rich in gold,uranium and gems,almuniam,etcgems,almuniam,etc

• Its second largest water reservoirs in the world outside Its second largest water reservoirs in the world outside Antarctica and the North Pole make it a lifeline for Antarctica and the North Pole make it a lifeline for Pakistan’s agriculturePakistan’s agriculture

• And can be used to make 50,000 megawatts of And can be used to make 50,000 megawatts of electricity.electricity.

• Gilgit-Baltistan is blessed with the tallest mountain peaks Gilgit-Baltistan is blessed with the tallest mountain peaks in the world, having the potential of attracting millions of in the world, having the potential of attracting millions of dollars in adventure tourism.dollars in adventure tourism.

• It is essential that the legislators, think It is essential that the legislators, think tanks and policy makers in Pakistan tanks and policy makers in Pakistan resolve this issue on a priority basis, resolve this issue on a priority basis, before there is a sense of deprivation in before there is a sense of deprivation in the region similar to the former East the region similar to the former East Pakistan or Balochistan..Pakistan or Balochistan..

Questions?Questions?

Bara pani Doesai national Bara pani Doesai national park Astore GB park Astore GB

Thank you VERY MUCH