Gilgit-Baltistan and CPEC 


HUNZA: Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed region with an ambivalent constitutional status. Fortunately, in 2014, the Chinese government pledged $46 billion towards various projects aimed at catalysing infrastructural development in Pakistan. It was perceived that this project would develop all areas of Pakistan uniformly but the reality is different. The name of this region is seldom mentioned in the statements by government functionaries regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The only economic zone proposed for Gilgit-Baltistan was the upgrading of Karakoram Highway and eight other projects but they are all confined to mere paperwork. The governor of Gilgit spoked sporadically about the injustice but the federal government has turned a blind eye to this region.

A few months ago, new projects were proposed for Balochistan and Sindh but not a single one for Gilgit. It is alarming that the division of Gilgit along with other areas are excluded from receiving benefits from this major project. The people of Gilgit joined Pakistan to become Pakistani and enjoy equal rights and privileges with equal representation in Parliament but there is still no constitutional status for them. The federal government should redress the grievances of its natives. If this project generated controversies and a sense of neglect and deprivation, it will surely cause the collapse of this golden opportunity for Pakistan.

Mehwish Iqrar


Original news : http://tribune.com.pk/story/1300969/gilgit-baltistan-cpec/