Lashing out: G-B Assembly speaker threatens to ‘expose corrupt lawmakers’

Differences within members of the PPP surfaced last week over the creation of two new districts in Baltistan.

GILGIT:

Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Assembly Speaker Wazir Baig on Monday threatened to expose corrupt legislators if a no-confidence motion is moved against him.

“I will make certain revelations on the floor of the house that will leave many in a state of shock if a no-confidence motion is initiated against me,” Baig told journalists during a function at the Karakoram Public School where he was the chief guest.

“Corruption is rampant and I am surprised no action is being taken against big fishes. Government jobs are being sold, but the rulers have kept quiet on the issue.”

Differences within members of the Pakistan Peoples Party surfaced last week over the creation of two new districts in Baltistan.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Mehdi Shah recognised the new districts, but many lawmakers from Gilgit critised Shah, accusing him of being a biased chief minister only representing Baltistan.

Baig declared Shah’s decisions unconstitutional and in violation of the G-B Empowerment and Self Rule Order 2009. Baig added Shah’s actions were biased towards one region.

On the other hand, lawmakers from Baltistan supported Shah. “What Shah has done is remarkable and we should all appreciate him,” said Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Raja Azam on Monday. “We should not engage in mudslinging.”

Though the chief minister’s office refused to comment on the speaker’s remarks, a Pakistan Peoples Party  source said Shah has assigned a Baltistan minister to convince Baig before it is too late.

“There is certainly unrest in Shah’s camp as Baig goes on a rampage,” the source said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2013.