Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded of the government to public the report of a parliamentary committee constituted by the prime minister for proposing constitutional reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan as the region was anxiously waiting for its due rights.
Addressing a press conference with his party cabinet members from GB at his residence in Islamabad on Tuesday, PTI Secretary General Jahangir Tareen said that his party was going to table a resolution in the National Assembly for constitutional rights and due share of GB in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has long been neglected by the centre. “We demand the government to share the proposals made by Sartaj Aziz-led committee for empowerment of GB, so we can constitute our suggestions in the interests of GB,” he said adding that his party has made set of demands specifically for GB.
“The change in the status of GB is much-needed as the area could no longer be neglected. Unfortunately, the present government has not given due share in CPEC to GB despite the fact that the route passed through the territory,” Tareen said. “Since the issue is much important, the same should be discussed in the parliament. PTI will be standing by the demands of GB,” he added.
In reply to a query, he said his party would introduce resolution in National Assembly for early empowerment of the region. “The government should not play with people’s demands by constituting committees. The findings of Sartaj Aziz-led committee should be discussed and subsequently implemented,” he said.
He also demanded of the government to focus on hydro-power projects in GB which have huge potential of generating cheaper electricity. The availability of power supply in the area was much-needed for development activities under CPEC.
MNA Ghulam Sarwar Khan, PTI’s president in GB Raja Jalal, VP Shah Nasir and Fatehullah, regional general secretary and others were also present on the occasion. It may recall here that a high-powered reforms committee for reviewing proposed constitutional package for Gilgit-Baltistan has recently sent its proposals to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after the final meeting of the committee held here on September 13.
The last meeting of the committee, held at Ministry of Planning and Development was chaired by Sartaj Aziz, deputy chairman, Planning Commission. Other members of the committee who attended the meeting included Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GB Barjees Tahir, Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid, Kashmir Affairs and GB secretary, Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehamn and representatives from the Ministry of Defence.
