G-B governor calls for separate province as demand for new provinces grows

Mehdi Shah warns of protests similar to those in AJK if rights continue to be denied

LAHORE:

The demands for new provinces are gaining momentum nationwide, with Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Mehdi Shah calling for separate provincial status and warning of protests similar to those in Azad Jammu and Kashmir if rights continue to be denied.

Speaking to the media at Jati Umra in Lahore on Sunday, the governor said that while Gilgit-Baltistan’s (G-B) resources were being utilised, the benefits were flowing to the rest of the country rather than the region itself.

“Our resources are being used, but G-B is being denied its due rights. If this continues, a protest movement like that of Azad Kashmir may emerge here as well,” he warned.

Mehdi Shah expressed disappointment with the coalition government at the centre, comprising the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), saying G-B had gained little despite being part of the ruling alliance.

He recalled that Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal had visited the region and stated that generating 200 megawatts of electricity was not an issue, but no practical steps were taken. Mehdi said that while every province demands its full share of resources, G-B would only receive its rightful share once it was granted full provincial status.

Referring to regional developments, the governor said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken control of disputed areas in Kashmir without resistance. He added that had former prime minister Imran Khan and those who brought him to power taken better decisions and secured control over their own areas at the time, the situation might have been different.

He said that despite sharing the same land and mountains as other regions, G-B was being deprived of basic facilities due to its disputed status. “The water being used for electricity generation comes from our region, yet our needs are ignored,” he said.

Highlighting demands raised during the 27th constitutional amendment, he said G-B had sought two key measures: increasing representation in the assembly from 24 to 30 seats, and provision of electricity. Addressing Ahsan Iqbal, he said that even if 200 megawatts could not be provided, at least 50 megawatts should be delivered as promised.

The governor said the people of G-B had joined Pakistan by their own free will, unlike other provinces. He added that political leaders make promises during elections, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had pledged to provide 100 megawatts of electricity to the region, expressing hope that the commitment would be fulfilled.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the ruling coalition, Mehdi Shah said that being an ally of the PML-N had not proven beneficial for G-B. He added that he had also raised this concern during a meeting of the party’s central executive committee.