ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Tuesday clarified that Barjees Tahir had been appointed as ex-officio governor of Gilgit-Baltistan and that he would ensure holding of free and fair elections in the region.
“Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan dispels the apprehensions of the press and clarifies that minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan has been appointed as ex-officio governor of Gilgit-Baltistan and the impression that the move has been made to influence elections is merely based on speculations and has no relevance with the story narrated in the press,” it noted.
The minister stated that the governor was committed to ensuring free and fair elections. Accordingly, a caretaker chief minister was appointed on advice of the outgoing chief minister and leader of the opposition.
The election commissioner was also appointed on the advice of ex-governor and had taken all parties of Gilgit-Baltistan on board. “The federal government is committed to uplifting the Gilgit-Baltistan region and bringing it at par with other provinces in the wake of the upcoming Economic Corridor project.”