In a move that is bound to raise hackles in India, Pakistan is working on raising the constitutional status of its occupied Gilgit-Baltistan to address China’s concerns over the USD 46-billion economic corridor through the strategic region.
The strategic region in the north, links western China to southern Pakistan’s Gwadar Port with a network of roads, highways, railways and investment parks. It is also on the key route of the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
An official said that a committee was working on a plan to address Chinese concerns over its investment, after India objected to its building of the CPEC through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Pakistani OfficialOne of the proposals is to raise the status of the region but it will be still short of a regular province. The region would be mentioned in the Constitution and will be represented in Parliament.
If implemented, the mountainous region would find a mention in Pakistan’s Constitution for the first time.
According to analysts, Gilgit-Baltistan’s constitutional status could have far-reaching ramifications. It will change Pakistan’s traditional stance on Kashmir and also possibly increase friction with India.
Traditionally, Pakistan maintains that Kashmir is a disputed region and its status should be decided through a plebiscite under the UN resolution of 1948-49.
The PoK is divided into ‘Azad Kashmir’ and Gilgit-Baltistan. Both these regions have their own legislative assemblies and, technically, are not part of Pakistan federation. Pakistan administers them through a special minister for Kashmir and joint councils.
Internally, both regions are largely independent but external affairs and defence are strictly controlled by Pakistan.
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