Formation of GB govt likely by June-end

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League (N) after winning a formidable majority in the 24-seat Gilgit Baltistan Assembly in last week’s elections is all set to form its government in the semi-autonomous territory by last week of June.
It however faces challenge of removing the sense of deprivation and subjugation among the GB people who had fought and won freedom by offering sacrifices in 1947. The GB territory given self-autonomy under Northern Areas empowerment order still does not enjoy real autonomy. Without powers to legislate and frame laws the autonomy will remain a pipe dream.
In the second phase election to 9 seats reserved for women, technocrats and ulema are scheduled for June 22 after which the smooth transfer of power will take place. The federal government which had made the incumbent federal minister of states affairs and Kashmir as governor GB is likely to pick a local person for the slot.
The prime minister of Pakistan being chairman of the GB council heads all powerful 12-member GB council which has six members each from GB legislative and six from Islamabad. This means any government in GB will look up to the central government for fulfillment of all its financial requirements.
The GB assembly is only in the name as it has very limited or no right to legislate. Several development projects were announced by PM Nawaz Sharif during his visit to the area.
These announcements included construction of two dams, a specialised hospital, a university in Baltistan, setting up of three new districts, construction of road between Thakot and Rai kot on Kurakuram Highway. The latest being part of the China-Pak Economic corridor will automatically be built.
In the first elections after the self-rule the then PPP PM Yusuf Raza Gilani also went to the area and made a number of announcements regarding developmental projects but none of them could see light of the day. The PML-N, however, looks in a better position as the party’s GB president and MLA elect Hafeezur Reman is likely to give good governance.