Gilgit-Baltistan is going to be given a status of a full-fledged province with all constitutional rights, including its representation in the Senate and the National Assembly as per the decision of the government.
On Wednesday, Minister of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur talked about the decision of the government to make Gilgit Baltistan a proper full-Fledged province. He further said that Prime Minister Imran Khan would visit this region soon and would make the formal announcement as per the decision of the government. He added that the region would soon be given adequate representation in the federation.
Read more: CPEC is transforming Pakistan’s remote Gilgit-Baltistan
The minister told a delegation of journalists from GB, “After consultation with all stakeholders, the federal government has decided in principle to give constitutional rights to Gilgit-Baltistan. Our government has decided to deliver on the promise it made to the people there.”
However, Gandapur emphasized that after the grant of constitutional rights, the subsidy and tax exemption on wheat given to the region would not be withdrawn. “Until the people there stand on their feet, they will continue to enjoy this facility,” he added.
He also said that the deprivation period of people of Gilgit-Baltistan has come to an end and that they will have all rights of province and proper setup to live their life fully. The significant steps would also be taken for the development of the region.
As per the briefing of the Minister, work on the Moqpondass Special Economic Zone would begin under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The government is working on improving tourism, health, education, and transport facilities.
He said, “To provide better healthcare facilities to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, the government will provide MRI and CT scan machines to all District Headquarters Hospitals, while the basic health units (BHUs) to be provided ultrasound machines.”
“Furniture will be provided to all schools. Rest houses will be set up at about 70 places to promote tourism. Loans will be provided to the locals to build huts and guesthouses at tourist destinations,” he said, adding that an agreement had been reached with the National Bank of Pakistan in this regard.
He also told that medical and engineering colleges will also be established in the region.
