On the whole, PML-N won 11 seats in the National Assembly, while PPP won 10 in the by-elections held during the five years. DESIGN: FAIZAN DAWOOD
GILGIT:
While the rest of the nation prepares for the upcoming general elections, nearly 1.5 million people in Gilgit-Baltistan sit on a metaphorical fence, watching the electoral process unfold from a distance.
Despite being liberated from the Dogra Raj six decades ago, and the unconditional accession to Pakistan, the people of the region have been barred from casting their votes in the National Assembly and the Senate since 1947.
Together with Azad Kashmir, G-B forms a part of the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, prompting Pakistan to put off calls for further integration on grounds that it may prejudice international obligations over the festering dispute.
Although the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009, did bestow the region with a province-like status, it did not give G-B residents the right to vote outside their own territory.
“What a pity it is that we have strong affiliations with mainstream political parties, but still can’t vote for them,” said Sabir Hussain, a Gilgit resident.
These upcoming general elections have created more of a buzz in G-B than ever before. With the emergence of political players like Imran Khan, ‘attractions’ like computerised electoral lists, and the interest-grabbing goings-on within the independent judiciary and the election commission, G-B residents sit rooted to their seats, passionately awaiting outcomes.
The latest polls have injected new vigour into the campaigns, despite the ongoing wave of violence.
“It is really frustrating to be mere spectators,” said Hussain. “We wish leaders like Nawaz Sharif, Imran [Khan] and Asif Zardari hold [more] public rallies here to neutralise the sectarian divides amongst people.”
Nationalist leader Manzoor Parwana said that by not holding general elections in G-B, the government has further shown its discriminatory attitude, proving that the region cannot be treated like the other four provinces of Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2013.
COMMENTS (16)
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@Tajjee .The GB is neither part of Pakistan nor Kashmir. If GB is not part of Pakistan or Kashmir then the presence of Pakistan/Kashmir based parities in GB is illegal and interference in the business of the people of the region. The nationalists of Gilgit Baltistan have clear stance on GB issue and they are struggling to free GB from the interference and occupations of foreign hands.
I think this time 1.5 million people of GB should send at least ONE person in the National Assembely and see the response! Young people can drive the process .. a resolution could be approved in every village asking .who should ( ONE person) represent GB in National Assembely of Pakistan for 5 years.
Then why people of Gb are following PPP and PML or other parties if they are not able to conduct elections in my region. So we need to kicked them out from the GB. We don't need such parties who can use us only for their own interest not for the interest of GB. But on other side people of GB should also think about their affiliation with puppets parties.We are also responsible for this current situation.Whenever we try to unite some 3rd force creates sectarian violence among 2 brothers.
Interference by federal political and religious parties in the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan is further pushing the region into chaos and instability. Any political activity in the disputed region by political parties of Pakistan is illegal and is without any justification. After announcement of the election schedules in the four provinces of Pakistan, the people of Gigit-Baltistan should reflect for a moment on the fact and try to understand why the region is excluded from the political process if it is like a province of Pakistan. Not holding the general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan along the four provinces of Pakistan testifies that this region has its own distinct identity and cannot be treated like the four provinces of Pakistan. These views were expressed by Manzoor Hussain Parwana, the chairman of Giglit-Baltistan United Movement
Interference by federal political and religious parties in the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan is further pushing the region into chaos and instability. Any political activity in the disputed region by political parties of Pakistan is illegal and is without any justification.
After announcement of the election schedules in the four provinces of Pakistan, the people of Gigit-Baltistan should reflect for a moment on the fact and try to understand why the region is excluded from the political process if it is like a province of Pakistan. Not holding the general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan along the four provinces of Pakistan testifies that this region has its own distinct identity and cannot be treated like the four provinces of Pakistan. These views were expressed by Manzoor Hussain Parwana, the chairman of Giglit-Baltistan United Movement.
Ouch...support Pakistan and that is what you get. Should be a lesson for others.
GB is given special status pending resolution of the larger kashmir question. this is actually a nice gesture given what india has done.. i.e swallow the territory and make it a supposed integral part of India just like hyderabad, junagadh, sikkim, goa, bangladeshi and nepali enclaves.
but there is no reason to exclude GB from feeling integrated with the country of their choice to the point where they feel discriminated. let them have representation, even as "independent countries" as part of "greater pakistan" into the national assembly.
we should continue to let them enjoy their special status as Azad territories yet let them have what they want a national level.
This is as stupid as enforcing Urdu on everyone. (Disclosure - i am an urdu speaker)
@Hafiz Shah Ali: pay taxes to who? to the govt. NOT elected by them?
All Gilgit-Baltistan residents who are still loyal to Pakistan can vote in the People's Republic of China's "democratic" elections.
Pitiable !
@Vectra: Dream on...
doesn't matter if they vote or no vote since Azad Kashmir, G-B are Indian territory in Indian constitution.
@Hafiz Shah Ali,First vote than tax....how much tax your elected members and ministers are paying?????
people of GB specially the young ones must project the potential of their area through all forms of media. it is the strongest and positive way to convince the persons in authority all over the world what all potentials our area has . we lack many basic rights including right to vote. now it is time to convince through Logics not through agitation or strikes that we have a role to make the nation a prosperous one.