The Dummy Fifth Province of Pakistan

                          The Dummy Fifth Province of Pakistan

Gilgit Baltistan is a northernmost territory of Pakistan. it is highly mountainous . It is the hometown of beauty, various cultures and numerous languages. Gilgit region has been given many names like Jewel of Pakistan, Asia’s wonderland and Roof of the world, whereas it is considered to be the paradise when it comes to explaining the beauty of this region.

                 While administratively controlled by Pakistan since the first Kashmir war, Gilgit–Baltistan has never been formally integrated into the Pakistani state and does not participate in Pakistan's constitutional political affairs. On August 29, 2009, the Gilgit–Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009, was passed by the Pakistani cabinet and later signed by the President of Pakistan. The order granted self-rule to the people of Gilgit–Baltistan, by creating, among other things, an elected Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly and Gilgit-Baltistan Council. Gilgit–Baltistan thus gained de facto province-like status without constitutionally becoming part of Pakistan. Officially, Pakistan has rejected Gilgit–Baltistani calls for integration with Pakistan on the grounds that it would prejudice its international obligations with regard to the Kashmir dispute.

          Considering the sacrifices and loyalty of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and considering the strategic important of the region, it should be given the status of Pakistan’s fifth province constitutionaly. It is essential that the legislators and policy makers in Pakistan resolve this issue on a priority basis, before there is a sense of deprivation in the region similar to the former East Pakistan.

                  In  November 1 ,1948, the Republic of Gilgit-Baltistan emerged on the map of the world and survived only for a couple of weeks. The people of the region fought their own war against the tyrannical regime of Dogra Raj and won their freedom. Because of the political circumstances that included a lack of resources, governance skills and political leadership, the victorious freedom fighters opted to accede to Pakistan unconditionally.The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have always been unequivocal in defending their association with Pakistan. Although the region is not a constitutional part of the country, it has never lagged behind any other province in terms of sacrifices for the sovereignty of the state. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have never complained about their miseries despite having no right to cast votes, no representation in the national assembly or senate, and strong sense of deprivation many other fields where other provinces enjoy constitutional rights.

               The people of gilgit baltistan are very loyal to Pakistan like In the four wars that Pakistan has fought with India, some of the best soldiers in Pakistan Army were from Gilgit-Baltistan. They fought for the country despite knowing their constitutional status. The Kargil War is also an evidence of the love of the people of the region with Pakistan. In 1999, hundreds of soldiers of the Northern Light Infantry sacrificed their lives and fought in extreme conditions to capture Kargil, Lalak Jan, who fought with extraordinary valor in Kargil and was awarded Pakistan’s highest military honor Nishan-e-Haider, was from Gilgit-Baltistan and Gilgit play a significant role in  the economy of Pakistan  through tourism (due to its beauty,K2 second highest mountain), minerals, precious stones and exports of fresh and dry fruit as well as the trade route between Pakistan and China.

                It is unfortunate that 80% of Pakistanis do not even know the status of Gilgit-Baltistan, although they always speak for the rights of the people of Indian-administered Kashmir and no one talk about gilgit and it is neglected for 65 years .There were no university till 2000 and still now no medical college were found even it  have nine districts ,has a population approach one million an area of approximately 28000 miles. the least budget announced for Gilgit at every year as compared to other provinces with the passage of time people were aware their rights and protest results empowerment and self Self-Governance.