ISLAMABAD: Political leaders, journalists, and civil society representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) renewed calls for constitutional rights, fair resource distribution, and greater provincial autonomy during a ceremony marking the 78th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan, held at the National Press Club Islamabad on Friday.
The event was organized jointly by the Gilgit-Baltistan Journalists Forum (Rawalpindi–Islamabad) and the National Press Club. It was attended by a large number of GB residents, journalists, lawyers, students, and political workers, including former GB Chief Minister and PML-N provincial president Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman, GB government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone, PPP leaders Dr. Muhammad Sharif and Khadija Akbar, and several senior media figures.
Hafeez ur Rehman: “GB still awaits full rights after 78 years”:
In his address, former Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman said that while the 2009 Gilgit-Baltistan Order granted the region a governor and chief minister, it stripped GB of four key subjects, minerals, hydropower, tourism, and forestry, which were placed under the Prime Minister’s control.
“Before 2009, mining licenses were issued by the GB administration; after that, all powers went to Islamabad. Even to start a power or tourism project, we now have to seek federal approval,” he said, urging that GB be given powers similar to those devolved to provinces under the 18th Amendment.
He also criticized the growing non-developmental expenditures, pointing out that “while GB has a non-development budget of Rs88 billion, the development budget stands at just Rs16 billion,” and called for public funds to be spent directly on citizens’ welfare.
Hafeez ur Rehman emphasized that GB’s struggle for freedom in 1947 was inspired by Pakistan’s independence movement, stating that “our forefathers revolted not through politics, but through courage, led by the Gilgit Scouts, who overthrew Dogra rule.”
He added, “It has been 78 years, we must reflect on our mistakes and why GB still lacks the rights it deserves. Gilgit-Baltistan’s liberation movement is part of Pakistan’s freedom struggle, and the region must now be fully integrated with constitutional guarantees.”
Faizullah Firaq: “GB’s identity is Pakistan”:
GB government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq paid tribute to the heroes of the independence movement, saying, “The people of Gilgit-Baltistan liberated their land with their own hands and joined Pakistan on the basis of La ilaha illallah.”
He said GB’s youth and soldiers “continue to defend Pakistan’s frontiers with pride,” adding that “Gilgit-Baltistan is the bright face of Pakistan” and that national unity was essential for peace and progress.
Firaq also urged citizens to “distinguish truth from propaganda” and said GB’s development depends on collective efforts and harmony.
PPP, media, and civil society voices echo demand for constitutional clarity:
PPP leader Dr. Muhammad Sharif said it was ironic that “GB’s mountains, minerals, and even ID cards are part of Pakistan, yet our rights are called ‘disputed.’” He said granting constitutional status to GB was not only a matter of justice but also in Pakistan’s national interest.
Other speakers, including Khadija Akbar (PPP Women’s Wing GB), Engineer Shabbir (PML-N), Sabir Hussain, Alam Noor Haider, Zulqarnain Iqbal (President, Press Association of Supreme Court), and Nayyar Ali (Secretary, National Press Club), emphasized the need for unity among GB’s political and religious parties to present a joint stance before the federal government.
They urged that GB be granted representation in the NFC Award, enhanced development funding, and inclusion in federal decision-making bodies.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, GB Journalists Forum President Abrar Hussain Istori, Secretary Ghulam Abbas, and NPC Governing Body Member Jafar Ali Balti cut a cake along with the guests to mark the region’s 78th independence anniversary.
