The Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018, which was promulgated by the local government last week, was meant to complete the process of granting all constitutional rights to the people of the area. It has, however, been met with far from universal acclaim. On Saturday, just a day before a visit by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, members of most opposition parties and civil society took to the streets to protest against the order. They demanded that the order be withdrawn and Gilgit-Baltistan be given constitutional status. A comparison was drawn to Fata and its merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While the demands are understandable, it is also true that the order is an improvement on the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order which it has replaced. All provincial subjects under the 18th Amendment to the constitution have been devolved to the Gilgit-Baltistan government, and the role of the Kashmir Affairs Ministry eliminated. Giving Gilgit-Baltistan provincial status is complicated by the fact that the territory is disputed, with India claiming it is part of Jammu and Kashmir – to which it lays claim. Even accounting for that, the government needs to convince the protesters that it truly intends to transfer to the area. For too long, Gilgit-Baltistan has essentially been treated as a protectorate of the federal government so the scepticism of the protesters is warranted.
In his speech to a joint sitting of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly and Gilgit-Baltistan Council on Sunday, Abbasi reiterated that all powers have been transferred to the area. He emphasised that the governor and judges to the Gilgit-Baltistan High Court would be appointed by the assembly. He also promised to accommodate any other demands the protestors may have in the waning days of the government. One problem those opposed to the order have is that it was issued by a government edict rather than debated and passed by both parliament and the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. The government should now follow the example it set with Fata and give the order the imprimatur of parliament. Equally important is the duty of the centre to learn from its mistakes in the past and truly treat Gilgit-Baltistan as an equal partner in the federation. Ever since 1947, the region has been governed from the centre and essential civil liberties have been curtailed. Abbasi claims to have paid heed to the protesters and their demands but the proof of that will only come if he follows his words of agreement with action.