Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, 18 January strongly protested the Pakistan's Supreme Court order that promulgated new laws to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
After a meeting with the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan on Friday, MEA said a strong protest was lodged and it was reiterated that entire Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' will remain an integral part of India, ANI reported citing MEA officials.
“Pakistan Government or judiciary have no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it,” the Ministry said.
More Rights to Be Given to People of Gilgit-Baltistan: Pak SC
Supreme Court of Pakistan in its order stated the Pakistani government should constitute new law that grants more rights, including fundamental rights, to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
A seven-judge bench headed by Justice Saqib Nisar issued a detailed order on 17 January that the jurisdiction and power of the country’s Supreme Court should be extended to Gilgit-Baltistan.
Noting the international status of Kashmir, of which Gilgit-Baltistan is a part, the order said that "as and when the promised plebiscite is organised by the parties to the dispute, it will be up to the people of all of Jammu and Kashmir, and of Gilgit-Baltistan, to make their choice".
It also said until the plebiscite is organised, "it is surely incumbent upon both India as well as Pakistan to ensure that the people of this region enjoy maximum rights for areas within each country's control".
India’s Previous Dispute with Pak Over Gilgit-Baltistan ‘Legal Status’
MEA in December 2018 had conveyed to Pakistan that any attempt by the neighbouring country to change the legal status of Gilgit-Baltistan will not be accepted.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
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