Imran Khan declared Gilgit-Baltistan the status of a province

Islamabad, Sunday 1 October 2020

Gilgit-Baltistan, an integral part of India, has been declared a province by Pakistan. Pakistan has taken this decision under the debt and pressure of China. India has already protested. The announcement was made by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan during the 73rd Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad. However, the decision of the Imran government is being opposed in Pakistan itself.

"The reason for my coming to Gilgit-Baltistan is to announce that we have decided to give it state status. We have made that decision in view of the Security Council resolution," Khan was quoted as saying by Pakistan's Geo News. Debate cannot be announced, as the rules applicable in the wake of the election will be violated.

India has already opposed Pakistan's move. Imran Khan's decision has been challenged within Pakistan. Opposition parties have stated they will not run in the by-elections. Jamiat Ulema is constantly raising voice against making Gilgit-Baltistan a province.

Jamiat Ulema-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has taken a stand against the creation of a GB province, with Pakistan saying that Imran Khan's decision would legitimize India's decision to make Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories. The Pakistani government had promised the opposition to speak on the issue after the election but Imran had already announced it.

The 60-year lease granted to the Gilgit Agency by the British government in 1935 expired on August 1, 1947. The British then ceded the territory to Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. Raja Hari Singh annexed the whole of Jammu and Kashmir to India on 31 October 1947.

Colonel Mirza Hassan Khan, the local commander of Gilgit-Baltistan, revolted on 2 November 1947. Taking advantage of which attacked Pakistan. Pakistan has been occupying the area since the ceasefire was declared by the UN but India has always considered the area as its own. Pakistan's moves are constantly opposed.