[Letter] A cry from Gilgit-Baltistan

On the map of the earth there is a place which is a so-called province,famous for its natural beauty, abundance of natural resources, high literacy rate and the geographical and political importance. But alas!, this region has not been given a valid identity for more than six decades.

Geographically it is a part of Pakistan and it was also called the Northern areas of Pakistan and under the government of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, it was announced as the fifth province  of Pakistan named Gilgit-Baltistan. But there is no sign of Gilgit-Baltistan being a province in the constitution of Pakistan because the proclamation was a sheer presidential order, and not an act of the parliament.

The bravery, sacrifices and loyalty of the people of GB towards Pakistan needs no introduction. When  Havaldar Lalik Jan Shaheed sacrificed his life on the peaks of Kargil, it was not for a personal vendetta but for his beloved country,in recognition of which the Govt. of Pakistan awarded him with the highest military award the Nishan-e-Haider. And it was again not for their personal interest when the people of GB fought against the Sikh and the Dogras. It was because they wanted to be a part of Pakistan.

It is high time for the government and the state of Pakistan to stop playing with the sentiments of the people. Steps should be taken to address the issues of governance, constitutionality and governance in the region, otherwise it will be too late.

Adnan Ahmed Barcha
Hussainabad, Hunza