GB leaders demand autonomy over own resources, rights on par with provinces

• At event marking GB’s 78th Independence Day, Hafeezur Rehman says region deprived of constitutional powers
• Seeks 18th Amendment-style powers for GB, criticizing Rs88b non-development vs Rs16b development spending
• PPP leaders say GB’s rights issue tied to Pakistan’s own independence struggle

ISLAMABAD: Former Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and PML-N provincial president Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman has said that even after 78 years of liberation, the people of GB are still deprived of their constitutional rights and control over their natural resources.

Speaking at a ceremony at the National Press Club, Islamabad, to mark GB’s 78th Independence Day, Hafeez ur Rehman said that although the 2009 Gilgit-Baltistan Order introduced the offices of chief minister and governor, it transferred four vital subjects — minerals, hydropower, tourism, and forestry—to the prime minister’s control, stripping the region of real autonomy.

“Before 2009, mining licences were issued by the GB administration; after that, all powers went to Islamabad,” he said, lamenting that even energy and tourism projects now require federal approval. He urged the government to grant GB powers equivalent to those devolved to provinces under the 18th Amendment.

He also criticised the imbalance in budget allocations, saying the government spends Rs 88 billion on non-development expenditure compared to just Rs 16 billion for development. “These resources should be spent on the people, not bureaucracy,” he asserted.

Rehman recalled that GB’s freedom movement in 1947 was an extension of Pakistan’s own independence struggle, led by the Gilgit Scouts who overthrew Dogra rule. “Seventy-eight years later, we must ask why GB still lacks the rights it deserves. Our struggle is tied to Pakistan’s creation, and the region must now be fully integrated with constitutional guarantees,” he said.

The event, organised by the Gilgit-Baltistan Journalists Forum (Rawalpindi–Islamabad) and the National Press Club, drew a large gathering of GB residents, journalists, lawyers, students, and political workers, including GB government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq, Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone, PPP leaders Dr Muhammad Sharif and Khadija Akbar, and senior media figures.

Faizullah Firaq said the people of GB had 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,” describing the region as “the bright face of Pakistan.” He called for unity, truth, and collective effort for peace and prosperity.

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.” Granting constitutional status to GB, he added, was not only a matter of justice but “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)—called for a unified political stance before the federal government to secure GB’s rights.

They demanded GB’s inclusion in the NFC Award, increased development funding, and representation in federal decision-making bodies.

The ceremony concluded with GB Journalists Forum President Abrar Hussain Istori, Secretary Ghulam Abbas, and NPC Governing Body Member Jafar Ali Balti joining guests in cutting a cake to mark the 78th anniversary of GB’s independence.