The promulgation of the "Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009" and the first ever elections held on November 12 in that region, under the new dispensation, present an exhilarating development. These maiden elections marked the dawn of
Amid the stream of depressing reports coming these days from the home country, such as the almost daily bomb blasts, the success of fanatic militants in infiltrating and attacking the very premises of our se curity setups, the debacle of NRO in the Assembly, the leadership crisis, the economy in a tail spin, the shameful corruption scandals in foreign media about our civil and military leaders, power and water shortages, and the back-breaking cost of living, any bit of positive news story is welcomed as a breath of muchneeded fresh air, and a cause celebre.
The promulgation of the "Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and SelfGovernance Order, 2009" and the first ever elections held on November 12 in that region, under the new dispensation, present just that kind of an exhilarating development. These maiden elections marked the dawn of democracy in that long-neglected region.
The self-governance order may have fallen short of the demands and expectation of the people of the area, but it is indeed a good beginning and augurs well for the future of the autonomous territory. Only a few weeks back, Prime Minister Gilani addressing a huge gathering of local inhabitants in Gilgit, had announced a multi-billion rupee development package aimed at their socio-economic uplift. He had remarked: "You are getting your identity this time. It is your right and has been your demand and we are fulfilling it now."
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B for short) had been demanding a separate administrative system with complete provincial autonomy like the other federating units (provinces) of Pakistan, with their own full-fledged Assembly and Governor, also their representation in the Senate and National Assembly. Grant of such demands would have weakened the case of Pakistan in the Kashmir dispute and vindicated the Indian move to do away with the special status of Kashmir till the solution of the issue.
The self-rule now allowed is, nevertheless, a notable step in the right direction. It replaces, to a great extent, the bureaucratic rule in favor of the supremacy of the elected representation. It gives the area rights almost similar to those of Pakistan's four provinces, but without actually conferring such a status constitutionally.
Under the new dispensation, Gilgit-Baltistan will be headed by a Governor to be appointed by the President of Pakistan. Law making will be done by the Gilgit-Baltistan Council (like the Kashmir Council) to be headed by the Prime Minister; and a 33-member Legislative Assembly drawn through general elections.
Of these 24 member would be elected, six seats have been reserved for women and three for technocrats.
Elections were held on November 12 for 23 contested seats, election for the remaining one seat was postponed owing to the death of a candidate. All major political parties of the country took part in the election promoting an enthusiasm among the people towards the democratic process.
The PPP emerged in the elections as the majority party having won 11 seats. This may ensure a smooth operation of the nascent G-B Assembly owing to the PPP being in the seat of power at the federal level.
Incidentally, the people of G-B still idolize the party's founder, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, as he was the first Pakistani leader to address the misery of the poor in that region, especially of HunzaNagar, by liberating them from the despotic rule of the two former princely states.
The new and democratic setup in Gilgit-Baltistan might inspire the people of FATA too to join the mainstream of democracy instead of sticking to the traditional Jirga system, retrogressive tribal customs, and their areas frozen in time and serving as museums for local and foreign visitors. The ongoing battle in South Waziristan adds to the logic for introducing basic structural changes to bring the tribal areas into the mainstream of political and social life of the country. The system bequeathed by the British was calculated to keep the belligerent tribes pacified through doles and maneuvers of political agents. The present government's decision to allow them to elect their representatives for the National Assembly is indeed a move in the right direction. It would kindle political activities, self-rule, and reduce the overarching role of the political agents. Illiteracy, superstitions, isolation, obscurantism of mullahs, poverty and rising expectations render the tribesman vulnerable to alien infiltration and manipulations.
Geography has, on the other hand, placed Gilgit Baltistan in a more advantageous position. Surrounded by Afghanistan, China, former Soviet Union, India and Pakistan, home to over fifty peaks above 7000 meters, including the world famous K2 and Nanga Prabat, and three of the world's longest glaciers, several high-altitude lakes, the strategically located and picturesque area holds a special attraction for foreign tourists, particularly those interested in serious mountaineering. Also. the area is crucial as a trade, water and oil corridor for South, West and Central Asia.
Tourism has been adversely affected by the terrorist activities of Taliban in the frontier region. Having rubbed shoulders with foreign visitors for decades, the people of Gilgit Baltistan have developed a genuinely friendly approach to foreigners. The KKH has augmented this trait. The total population is now estimated at 1.5 million and a good percentage of it comprises Ismaeli (Agha Khani) Shias. Agha Khani community's numerous welfare projects bring social workers from various parts of the world to the region. That too helps promote friendly feelings towards outsiders. Urdu is the lingua franca of the region; polo is the most popular sport; President Zardari shares with them the love of polo.
Another welcome development has been the accord signed four months back between China and Pakistan for the construction of a multi-purpose dam in Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan. This dam is likely to add 7000 MW of electricity to the national grid, reducing to some extent at least the power shortage in the country that is causing havoc in the lives of the people. It will also help in the supply of water to the adjoining areas in days to come when global warming will create an acute water shortage. The government has already approved the NeelamJhelum hydropower project and the construction of another mega dam at Bhasha in the neighboring Azad Kashmir. These projects will provide employment to the labor force of the region. To sum up, the recent developments in that region augur well for its future.
