MWM Deputy Secretary General demanded that G-B be made the fifth province of Pakistan, adding that the existing political setup denies constitutional rights to its inhabitants.
Sunni and Shia political and religious leaders called for sectarian unity in a conference held in Gilgit on Sunday.
The leaders made their remarks during a public rally organised by Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM). Many Sunni leaders, including Minister for Works Bashir Ahmed and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Advocate Mushtaq Ahmed also attended the gathering titled ‘Difa-e-Watan.’
“This is a multi-sect convention aimed at forging harmony in the region,” said MWM Deputy Secretary General Allama Amin Shaheedi. He demanded that Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) be made the fifth province of Pakistan, adding that the existing political setup denies constitutional rights to its inhabitants.
“When G-B attained independence, there were no sectarian rifts among its people. These rifts were infused to keep the region backward,” he said. “There are many things in common among various sects that need to be promoted.” “Only if we are united can we make progress,” said Bashir Ahmed.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th,2013.
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