ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar has said that consultations on the constitutional and legal affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan are continuing and that all relevant stakeholders will be taken into confidence before any decisions are made.
The minister said protecting the rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and ensuring a sense of equality remain among the government’s top priorities.
According to a spokesperson, Tarar chaired a meeting of the GB Issues Working Group on Friday, attended by officials from Gilgit-Baltistan, the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Gilgit-Baltistan Council.
Constitutional and Financial Options Reviewed
The meeting held a detailed review of Gilgit-Baltistan’s constitutional, legal, financial and administrative affairs.
Participants examined various options and previous reports concerning the region’s constitutional and legal status. Different proposals and models for strengthening financial resources were also discussed.
The working group also reviewed possibilities for practical reforms to the existing governance system in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Tarar directed the working group to examine the region’s constitutional, administrative and financial matters in an integrated manner and develop practical and workable proposals to address outstanding issues.
He also instructed the group to prepare an interim report following comprehensive deliberations.
Wider Consultation Planned
The law minister said more time would be required to develop a consensus-based constitutional and legal solution for Gilgit-Baltistan.
He emphasized that extensive consultations would be held on the region’s future administrative and constitutional arrangements and that all relevant stakeholders would be taken into confidence.
Tarar also invited the Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister and leader of the opposition to the next meeting so that their views could be considered as part of the consultation process.
He stressed that national consensus is essential on Gilgit-Baltistan’s constitutional affairs and that the views and interests of the people of the region must be taken into account in the decision-making process.