CJP directs govt to make its recommendations on GB reforms by Friday

Published December 3, 2018
A file photo of a demonstration held against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018.
A file photo of a demonstration held against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Monday directed the federal government to submit by Friday its draft on planned reforms for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), adding that the court will "give the territory's citizens their full rights".

In May, the GB government had promulgated the Gilgit-Baltistan Order-2018 — a move that was rejected by thousands of protesters, who demanded that GB should be declared a part of Pakistan instead of being administered through presidential orders

A seven-member larger bench of the apex court was hearing a case on GB's constitutional status today when the attorney general read out the government's response on GB reforms.

Explainer: Why GB's opposition parties oppose new order

The government stated that a committee headed by Sartaj Aziz has drafted its recommendations, assuring the court that "the people of GB will get all their constitutional rights".

At this, the chief justice remarked that "this a matter of constitutional amendment and that the government does not have a majority to make such amendments".

"If amendments cannot be made then [at least] recommendations should be implemented," the top judge added.

Salman Akram Raja, the court's assistant on the matter, suggested that "GB can be made a part of Pakistan".

At this, the judge wondered: "What will be the international implications of this?"

Justice Nisar asked senior lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan what Pakistan's point of view on GB was.

"Administratively, this area comes in Pakistan," Ahsan said. "This region can be given complete rights by declaring it a temporary province."

The court instructed the federal government to furnish its recommendations-based draft by Friday, adjourning the case till then.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...