G-B chief minister Mehdi Shah. PHOTO: APP/FILE
A day after Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Chief Minister (CM) Mehdi Shah awarded the status of district to another valley in Baltistan, opposition leaders asked Shah to do the same for valleys in Gilgit. They said he was acting as if he is the CM of Baltistan alone.
On Saturday, Kharmang valley was given a district status, while the scenic Shigar valley was made a district two days prior to that.
“We have fulfilled our commitments with people in the past and will be carving out two more sub-divisions in Baltistan,” Shah had said in an address on Saturday.
G-B Assembly Opposition Leader Janbaz Khan, however, demanded valleys of Darel-Tangir also be made districts since they are larger in size and have more representation in the assembly.
“I am not against making districts in Baltistan but I want Shah to make decisions based on merit instead of pleasing his hometown,” said Khan.
He added Yaseen, Gupis and Hunza valleys should also be made districts, adding there would be protests if people’s demands are not met.
Mir Ghazanfar, former chief executive of Gilgit-Baltistan from Hunza Valley, also accused Shah of being biased. “Shah sees through tinted glasses which is why he is unable to see issues being faced by people outside Baltistan,” he said.
Ghazanfar demanded the formation of three districts in Gilgit as well and said Shah should take quick action to salvage his credibility.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 25th, 2013.
COMMENTS (3)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Rizwan Raja: "CM already has told legally he is not allowed to make a new district in province."
Mr Raja : can you enlighten the legal restriction for not carving out new districts ?
False nd a bais statement by opposition leader. CM already has told legally he is not allowed to make a new district in province.New district was announced by PM during election while it was the demand of people there. So unfair to say it is bais
Please your own town as much as you can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. very strange on what bases you make that small place district ???? just to Embezzle the funds of GB, there are large cities than that population wise area wise better you should think with brain than toes and don't be bias you took the Oath of CM you questionable now .......