Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain has demanded that Gilgit-Baltistan be granted the status of an “interim constitutional province,” further calling for the region to be allocated a share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award to ensure its economic stability.
A meeting was held in Islamabad by a special committee—constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal—to address the issues facing Gilgit-Baltistan. During the meeting, the committee reviewed recommendations previously adopted by the provincial cabinet and the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, which advocate for granting the region the status of an interim constitutional province and ensuring its economic stability.
Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain stated that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have endured constitutional and economic hardships for the past 78 years, largely due to the Kashmir issue. He noted that both the general public and political parties in the region are in agreement on an agenda focused on effective integration into the national mainstream and achieving economic stability.
He urged that, in light of the Kashmir issue, Gilgit-Baltistan should be granted at least the status of an interim constitutional province. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to provide the region with an appropriate share under the NFC Award to foster economic stability, thereby helping to eliminate the sense of deprivation felt by the local population. He stated that, given the geographical and strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan, special attention must be paid to the region’s development and the resolution of its issues. The Chief Minister noted that Gilgit-Baltistan holds a unique position in terms of tourism; therefore, the establishment of an international airport in Gilgit is essential to boost economic activity and tourism. Consequently, the establishment of an international airport should be included in the agenda of the special committee.
Amjad Hussain suggested that, in addition to fiber optics, proposals for introducing modern alternative connectivity solutions should also be included in the committee’s agenda. This would improve digital connectivity in the region and foster economic activity. Furthermore, it has been recommended that the Prime Minister of Pakistan provide a special “stabilization package” to accelerate development in Gilgit-Baltistan and address the economic challenges facing the region.
He urged that this package be incorporated into the special committee’s final recommendations and presented to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, ensuring that effective measures can be taken to accelerate the development process and achieve economic stability in Gilgit-Baltistan.