Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly passes resolution seeking interim provincial status for GB

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution calling for the region to be granted interim provincial status while reaffirming that such a move should not alter Pakistan's longstanding position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The resolution urges the federal government to confer interim provincial status on Gilgit-Baltistan and ensure its representation in the National Assembly, the Senate and all constitutional institutions of Pakistan.

It further calls on the federal government to initiate all necessary constitutional, legal and administrative measures to implement the resolution.

The assembly stressed that granting interim provincial status should not affect Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue or prejudice any future UN-mandated plebiscite on Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution also seeks constitutional and democratic rights for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on a par with those enjoyed by citizens of the country's other provinces.

It states that the proposed interim provincial status would remain consistent with Pakistan's international obligations.