[Discussion] The Gilgit – Baltistan Council

There is already a row between members of the Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly and the designated members of Gilgit – Baltistan Council. These two institutions came into being recently through the “Gilgit – Baltistan Empowerment Order  2009”.

The 13 member strong GB Council is supposed to act as an upper-house like institution, headed by the prime minister of Pakistan. Six members of the council belong to Gilgit – Baltistan while the rest, including bureaucrats, are representatives of the federal government.

Premier Gilani had envisaged the council to act like a bridge between the governments of Pakistan and Gilgit – Baltistan. He had said the powers have been devolved to elected representatives of Gilgit – Baltistan through the presidential order.

Many, however, are of the opinion that presence of GB Council is negation of the notion of political empowerment. Members of the Council are likely to have veto power over resolutions/legislation forwarded by the representative assembly.

How do you see the situation?

Pamir Times

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Pamir Times is the pioneering community news and views portal of Gilgit – Baltistan, Kohistan, Chitral and the surrounding mountain areas. It is a voluntary, not-for-profit, non-partisan and independent venture initiated by the youth.

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