Pakistan has made enormous economic and political gains from these areas since 1947. With help of China they have started many mega projects in the area which benefit both countries – China and Pakistan, and not the people of the area. Pakistan has finalised construction of Diamer Basha Dam, which is the biggest and most expensive project ever taken up by Pakistan. So Pakistani investment and gains in the area are in billions of dollars; and there is no ways they will let go this gold mine.
It was expected that before committing to these mega projects, Pakistan would like to take legal control of these areas. In order to provide a legal cover to this land grabbing they have announced (29 August 2009) a new package. While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said, ‘Nortehrn Areas’ now will be called Gilgit and Baltistan, which will have 15-member Administrative Council which will choose the Chief Minister. There will be six Ministers along with three Technocrat seats and two women seats.
The Cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to the news, will approve their budget, but it is not clear who will make the budget. In the past it is always Islamabad who has run the show with help of some local puppets; and it is believed that it will be the case of old wine in new bottles and not much will change. They simply want to change names of different office bearers and give them some additional rights.
Previously Islamabad appointed Chairman, and now his post has been upgraded with a title of Governor, which will be appointed by Islamabad. Similarly the Northern Areas Legislative Council will be upgraded to the status of Assembly; and existing NALAs Advisors will become Ministers. The post of the Chief Executive will be upgraded to the post of Chief Minister.
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4:46 AM
Moderate Islamist here
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