On the map of the earth, there is a place which is a so-called province, which is very famous for its natural beauty, the abundance of natural resources, its high literacy rate and the geographical and political importance. But alas, this region has not been given a valid identity. Geographically it is a part of Pakistan and it was also called the Northern areas of Pakistan and under the governance of Pakistan People’s Party parliamentarians it was announced as the fifth province of Pakistan named Gilgit-Baltistan. But there is no sign of GB (Gilgit-Baltistan) as a province in the constitution of Pakistan because it was not passed from the parliament and therefore no provincial rights were granted.
The bravery and loyalty of the people of GB towards Pakistan needs no introduction, when Hawaldar Lalik Jan Shaheed sacrificed his life on the peaks of Kargil, it was not for a personal vendetta but for his beloved country, in recognition of which the Government of Pakistan awarded him with the highest military award, the Nishan-e-Haider. It was again not for the personal interest when the people of GB fought against the Sikhs and the Dogras, it was because they wanted to be a part of Pakistan.
There are many such examples that prove the loyalty of the people of GB . So there for it should be given the proper rights of a province along with the official title.
ADNAN AHMED BARCHA,
Karachi, April 13.