Uncalled for: Gilgit-Baltistan lawmaker passes derogatory remark

House plunges into chaos as deputy speaker mediates.

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly turned into a fish market on Thursday after Ghizer Valley lawmaker Nawaz Khan Naji passed a remark against the people of Baltistan.

“Jahan Balti, wahan ghalti [Wherever there are Baltis, there are fault],” were the words uttered by Naji after Ghanche district lawmaker Ghulam Hussain reminded the deputy speaker he cannot go against a previous ruling passed by him.

The controversy sparked after Ghizer Valley lawmaker Fida Khan tabled a resolution demanding the formation of Yaseen and Gupis valleys as separate districts.

Deputy speaker Jafarullah, who was chairing the proceedings in the absence of the speaker, said the issue should be left to the chief minister and not be debated or voted upon. Fida insisted on continuing with the debate to which Jafarullah called for a vote.

Hussain contended Jafarullah went against the ruling he made only a moment ago. Fellow Ghizer representatives shouted in harmony and this was when Naji passed the derogatory remark.

Taking the comment as an insult to the region, Baltistan lawmakers sprang into action, thumping tables and hurling abuses.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Ghizer lawmaker Raja Jehanzeb responded with equally loud rebuttals.

In a bid to put the controversy to an end, Jafarullah adjourned the proceedings for an indefinite period.

Replying to a question earlier, CM Hafeezur Rahman said over 200 projects worth Rs2 million are in “development hell.” “The FIA and NAB will launch an investigation soon and take the corrupt to task.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2015.