Gilgit - Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan self-governance reform package 2009, daring,historic: Leaders

ISLAMABAD, Sep 15 (APP): The political leaders of Gilgit – Baltistan have appreciated announcement of Gilgit-Baltistan self-governance reform package 2009 by the Pakistan Peoples Party government, and termed it a daring and positive step by the democratic government to the people of the area.

 “This is a daring and positive step taken by the PPP government and given an identity to the people of Gilgit and Baltistan” Nazir Sabir and Dr.Perveen Ashraf two formers members of Northern Areas Legislative Council (NALC) told APP here today.

“We are thankful to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Governor-designate and Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas and Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira for their role and efforts in the provision of the package to the people of Gilgit and Baltistan, and according it a provincial status” the leaders of the area said.  

Nazir Sabir and Dr.Perveen Asharaf recalled that the PPP had always made efforts for granting of constitutional rights to the people of Gilgit and Baltistan.

They said that this package is a step towards provincial autonomy of the area which had been the popular demand of the people of Giligit and Baltistan.

They said that Shaheed Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto during his tenure, rid the people of black laws like Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and feudal system providing relief to the people of the Northern Areas.   

Nazir Sabir, the first Pakistan climber who also hoisted the flag of Pakistan on the world highest peak Mount Everest said, he like other people of Gilgit and Baltistan had been questioning their identity, adding that announcement of Gilgit-Baltistan self-governance reform package 2009 by the Pakistan Peoples Party government has given an identity to the people of the area.

Dr.Perveen Ashraf was of the view that women of Gilgit – Balitistan be allowed to contest elections on direct seats in the forthcoming elections for Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly for political and economic empowerment of the women in the area.

They expressed the hope that decision of the PPP led government would usher in a new era of socio economic prosperity in the area, and improve the living conditions of the people of the area.

They added that the package has also tried to address the sense of political deprivation of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Dr.Parveen Ashraf said that for promotion of tourism, an airport at Haraliy (Konadas) be built to ensure all weather air service to people of the area.They also urged the government for provision of an additional seat to Hunza.

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5 Comments

  1. On the one hand Nazir Sabir is threatening of boycotting elections if additional seat is not given to Hunza, and he is thankful to Kaira for his efforts. This Kaira is the same person who last week categorically rejected idea of additional seat to Hunza. I do not know why our leader do not have courage of opposing someone in power. I request youth of Hunza to reject all the tested leaders including Nazir Sabir. His statement of praising Kaira really hurt our feeling. kaira is totally insensitive to the demands of local people. those who are siding with such people are also becoming insensitive towards local people. hence losing their respect. though they are getting near to corridors of power by eulogising powerful, they loose their touch with masses ultimately. What a price to pay.

  2. The autonomy given to Gilgit Baltistan is I think a confusing matter. I could’nt understand yet that whether we have given the provencial status or the status given to AJK. But I hope we will be awarded provincial status in near future. One think I want to make sure that we have no relations with Kashmir but sympathy. It is my humble request to the people who are in misconstru who sobortagely consider us as Kashmiries accepts us as a separate entity.
    ……Cheers Sardar Hussain Isphany……….
    …………CSS Candidate……………………

  3. The socalled reform package is the bigest cheating with the people of Northern Areas. Under the umberalla of this package another Gansara Sing have been imposed in this area. It is a big question that what will be powers of an elected member of GBLA in presence of governor who will authority to veto all decision making made by assembly. On the another side the black snake KANA Division also lying over GB. Only the change of name will not end the grievences of our area.

    Shah Jahan Ghizeri
    Condidate for GBLA-20

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