The absence of participation of Gilgit-Baltistan in decision-making bodies at the national level will make the whole exercise of administrative and political changes in the empowerment package meaningless. Real participation comes with a role in decision-making
The announcement of the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Ordinance in September 2009 gave some hope to the optimists that it would pave the way for democratic governance and political rejuvenation of the moribund governance structure and stagnant political culture of Gilgit-Baltistan. Sceptics, however, dubbed it as an eyewash to hide the real mechanics of power, which are under the direct control of the federal government. It was hoped that the fervour of debate for and against the empowerment package would gradually subside and give way to an objective view after the elections. Now that a new set-up is in place, there are some factors that lend credence to the sceptics’ argument. These can prove detrimental to the nascent democratic process and damaging to the repute of the ruling party in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Soon after the results of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA) elections in November were announced, independent and other party members made a beeline to become part of the government. Until now, the PPP enjoys the support of 23 members out of 33 seats in the assembly. I think the ruling party should dissuade independent members and other parties from becoming part of power sharing because the PPP has a clear majority in the assembly. Therefore, it does not need the favour of members outside the party. GBLA has already unanimously elected a chief minister. But the ordinance does not envisage the slot of an opposition leader.
http://newageislam.com/discontents-in-gilgit-baltistan/current-affairs/d/2437
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3:25 AM
Moderate Islamist here
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