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GB’s rights should be protected under any new constitutional amendment, says Bilawal at election rally

May 28, 202X

The political landscape of Pakistan is once again abuzz with discussions surrounding regional autonomy and constitutional rights, sparked by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s recent impassioned address in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Speaking ahead of the crucial June 7 regional elections in Shigar, Bilawal championed the long-standing demands of GB’s populace, advocating for their full constitutional integration and self-governance. His pronouncements signal a renewed push for redefining Gilgit-Baltistan’s place within the Pakistani federation, carrying significant implications for national politics and regional stability.

What Happened

During his election rally in Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari laid out a comprehensive vision for the region, centered on safeguarding its rights through constitutional reform. His core message was unequivocal: any future constitutional amendment must explicitly guarantee the protection of GB’s entitlements. Key proposals included:

• Constitutional Protection: Ensuring that GB’s rights are enshrined and secured under any new constitutional provisions.
• Simultaneous Elections: Advocating for general elections in GB to be held concurrently with those in the rest of Pakistan, symbolizing true participation and equality.
• 18th Amendment Benefits: Demanding that Gilgit-Baltistan receive the same rights and resources devolved to other provinces under Pakistan’s landmark 18th Constitutional Amendment, which significantly decentralized power.
• Right of Rule (Haq-i-Hakimiyat) and Ownership (Haq-i-Malkiyat): Emphasizing that the people of GB, not Islamabad, should have the authority to govern their region and control their natural resources.
• Abolition of Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and GB: Criticizing the federal ministry as an unnecessary layer that centralizes power, proposing its dissolution to empower local assemblies in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad.
• Protection of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP): Vowing to protect the federal social safety net, which he argued other parties sought to devolve to provinces, thereby effectively ending it for regions like GB lacking the necessary budget.
• Call for Free and Fair Elections: Highlighting concerns about electoral transparency by referencing Forms-45 and Form-47, and asserting the PPP’s commitment to neutral and unbiased polls.

Bilawal also framed the choice for GB voters as one between parties that centralize power in Islamabad (implicitly referencing PML-N) and the PPP, which he positioned as the champion of the poor, farmers, and regional autonomy, especially amid global financial crises.

Background: Gilgit-Baltistan’s Unique Position

Gilgit-Baltistan occupies a peculiar and often precarious position within the Pakistani state. Historically part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, it has been under Pakistan’s administrative control since 1947 but is not constitutionally integrated as a full province due to its disputed status linked to the broader Kashmir conflict. This ambiguity has led to a democratic deficit, with residents lacking full representation in Pakistan’s Parliament and constitutional rights comparable to those in other provinces.

• The 18th Amendment (2010): A monumental legislative change, it devolved substantial powers and financial resources from the federal government to the provinces, fostering greater provincial autonomy. GB’s exclusion from its direct benefits has been a persistent grievance, forming the basis for Bilawal’s demand.
• Haq-i-Hakimiyat and Haq-i-Malkiyat: These terms translate to “right of rule” and “right of ownership,” respectively. For GB, they encapsulate the core demand for self-governance, control over political decisions, and management of indigenous natural resources (like minerals, hydropower, and tourism) that are currently largely controlled by Islamabad. This is a battle for economic and political empowerment.
• Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan: This federal ministry oversees administrative and financial affairs for both Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Critics, like Bilawal, argue it centralizes power and stifles local autonomy, effectively turning GB into a federally administered territory rather than a self-governing entity.
• Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP): Initiated by the PPP government in 2008, BISP is Pakistan’s largest unconditional cash transfer program, aiming to alleviate poverty. Its potential devolution to provinces raises concerns for less financially robust regions like GB, which might struggle to maintain such an extensive social safety net.
• Electoral Integrity (Forms-45 & Form-47): Form-45 records the vote count at individual polling stations, signed by all present agents. Form-47 is the provisional consolidated result for a constituency. Bilawal’s reference taps into widespread public mistrust and allegations of electoral manipulation, where results are sometimes perceived to be altered between these two stages.

The upcoming June 7 elections in GB are more than just a local contest; they are a litmus test for the region’s political aspirations and an opportunity for national parties to demonstrate their commitment to addressing these foundational issues.

Why It Matters

Bilawal’s address in Shigar is significant on multiple fronts, resonating both locally within Gilgit-Baltistan and across Pakistan’s political landscape:

• Constitutional Future of GB: This rally brings the long-simmering demand for GB’s constitutional status back to the national forefront. Full provincial status or enhanced autonomy could fundamentally alter its relationship with the federation, addressing a key human rights concern regarding “rights without representation.”
• Empowerment and Resource Control: The emphasis on Haq-i-Hakimiyat and Haq-i-Malkiyat directly challenges Islamabad’s control over GB’s political and economic destiny. Granting these rights could unlock GB’s economic potential, allowing local communities to benefit directly from their resources and fostering sustainable development.
• Political Strategy and Messaging: For the PPP, this stance is a strategic move to position itself as a champion of marginalized regions and decentralization, a core tenet of its historical ideology. It seeks to differentiate itself from other national parties often perceived as more centralized, particularly appealing to a region that feels overlooked.
• Electoral Transparency: The specific mention of Form-45 and Form-47 highlights persistent concerns about the integrity of Pakistan’s electoral processes. By raising these issues, Bilawal is not only rallying his base but also putting pressure on election authorities to ensure fairness, crucial for democratic legitimacy.
• Social Safety Nets: The defense of BISP underscores the importance of federal social programs for equitable development, especially in remote and underdeveloped areas. Its proposed devolution highlights a potential fault line in federal-provincial power-sharing dynamics.

Impact on Pakistan

The outcomes of this debate and the proposed changes have far-reaching implications for Pakistan:

• Federal-Provincial Dynamics: Granting GB constitutional rights under the 18th Amendment framework or a new amendment would necessitate a significant re-evaluation of Pakistan’s federal structure. It would set a precedent for how other administrative territories might be integrated or empowered, potentially inspiring similar demands from other regions.
• National Cohesion vs. Kashmir Dispute: Integrating GB fully into the federation could strengthen national unity by addressing a long-standing grievance. However, any formal change to GB’s constitutional status carries immense diplomatic sensitivity, particularly with India, which claims the entire erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad has historically tread cautiously to avoid prejudicing the Kashmir dispute.
• Economic Development and Resource Sharing: Local control over GB’s resources could boost regional economies, but it would also open discussions on revenue sharing, federal contributions, and the equitable distribution of national wealth. The future of mega-projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through GB could also be impacted by greater local autonomy.
• Political Power Balance: The PPP’s strong advocacy for GB’s rights could consolidate its political influence in the region, potentially altering the national political landscape. This could force other major parties, like PML-N, to articulate clearer stances on GB’s future.
• Social Welfare Policy: The debate over BISP’s devolution impacts the future design and implementation of national social safety nets, determining how effectively the federal government can reach and support its most vulnerable citizens across diverse regions.

Analysis: Strategic Promises Amidst Geopolitical Realities

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s impassioned rhetoric in Gilgit-Baltistan is a calculated political maneuver, strategically timed to rally support for the PPP ahead of regional elections. It taps into deeply felt grievances and aspirations for self-determination that have long characterized the region.

The PPP’s historical commitment to decentralization, exemplified by the 18th Amendment during its last tenure, lends credibility to Bilawal’s promises. By advocating for simultaneous elections, the integration of 18th Amendment benefits, and the abolition of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and GB, Bilawal frames the PPP as the true champion of GB’s democratic and economic empowerment. This resonates with the party’s traditional narrative of empowering the common person and regional entities.

However, the feasibility of some of these demands is complex. Granting Gilgit-Baltistan full provincial status or even the full benefits of the 18th Amendment involves navigating a delicate geopolitical tightrope. Pakistan has historically maintained GB’s administrative status, rather than full provincial integration, precisely to avoid prejudicing its position on the Kashmir dispute internationally. Any constitutional amendment would require broad political consensus across Pakistan and careful consideration of its international ramifications, particularly with India.

The emphasis on Haq-i-Hakimiyat and Haq-i-Malkiyat is a powerful tool to galvanize local support by promising control over destiny and resources. This addresses the frustration of a region rich in minerals and hydroelectric potential, yet often feeling marginalized and exploited by federal control. The critique of other parties for centralizing power in Islamabad is a clear attempt to draw a contrast and appeal to regional sentiments.

Furthermore, Bilawal’s warnings about the fate of BISP highlight a broader ideological divide within Pakistani politics regarding the role of the federal government in social welfare. His assertion that devolving BISP would effectively dismantle it for regions like GB underscores the disparities in provincial financial capacities and argues for a strong federal role in ensuring equitable social protection.

In essence, Bilawal’s rally is more than just an election speech; it’s a significant political statement that attempts to redefine the relationship between Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistani federation. While the promises are potent and politically appealing, their implementation will require a nuanced approach that balances domestic aspirations with complex geopolitical realities. The coming elections in GB will be a crucial indicator of how effectively this message resonates with the region’s voters and sets the stage for future debates on Pakistan’s constitutional evolution.

By [Your Name/Analyst Team]

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