Does Gilgit-Baltistan really need elections?

The public votes to elect representatives who will form a government. Those elected by the people are given the authority and responsibility to address their issues and concerns. Gilgit-Baltistan is set to elect its representatives on June 7. However, the region lacks constitutional rights and has been facing significant challenges in human development. Elections are often seen as a strategy used by the federal government of Pakistan to exercise control over the region through federal ministers, bureaucrats, and the military.

The representatives elected by the people in the Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly are largely powerless. Most decisions regarding development and security are made and managed by the federal government of Pakistan. Those who are elected lack the courage and authority to advocate for the demands and rights of the people.

Corruption, theft, and manipulation are widespread issues. Unemployment rates are high, human development is low, and lawlessness, along with weak governance, is prevalent. The capital city, Gilgit, suffers from a lack of electricity, poor road conditions, inadequate healthcare, and increasing violence. Since the establishment of the Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly in 2009, the government has not been able to provide consistent electricity. In winter, there is no electricity at all because the river runs dry, and the government generates power solely from hydro sources.

It has been almost three years since the government installed the sewage system, but the main roads remain in poor condition. Although they laid the pipes, they failed to repair the roads that were damaged during the installation. The dust, potholes, traffic, and pollution have disrupted the once pleasant weather in Gilgit, causing inconvenience and increasing health problems for residents.

The GB (Gilgit-Baltistan) lacks political rights in Pakistan, as its residents often show loyalty to the corrupt political parties in the country. They elect representatives who enjoy numerous privileges funded by taxpayers’ money. These representatives do not enact any laws independently; they must seek approval from Pakistan for any decision or legislation. Furthermore, if a project exceeds a certain budget, they are required to obtain approval from the federal government of Pakistan, which tends to waste resources.

The federal government of Pakistan does not want the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to participate in the national assembly and demand equal rights. Corrupt Pakistani governments have exerted control over GB, with bureaucrats from other provinces holding key executive positions and receiving directives from the establishment in Pakistan. This system suppresses the people's rights to freedom and liberty.

As a citizen of Gilgit-Baltistan, an independent region in Pakistan, I am writing to demand that the United Nations take action against the government of Pakistan for its violations of basic human rights in our region. I urge that the Pakistani government be held accountable for its systemic denial of freedom, liberty, and rights to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

A recent survey conducted by Gunair Welfare reveals that a majority of people in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) do not trust the election process and are eager to eliminate the corrupt and inefficient political system. This system has been exploited by corrupt bureaucrats, the establishment, and politicians in Pakistan to suppress the rights of the people in GB. The government of Pakistan utilizes this system to instill fear, perpetuate underdevelopment, and exert control over the 3 million residents of Gilgit-Baltistan. As a result, the population suffers from poor education, inadequate healthcare, a lack of basic necessities, and insecurity.

Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) faces numerous challenges, including a lack of industry, electricity, freedom of speech, quality education, healthcare, investment, internet access, transportation, peace, rights, and representation. All resources and opportunities in the region are controlled by external individuals from other parts of Pakistan, who are often posted there to exploit the region for financial gain while enjoying luxury benefits at the expense of the local population. I urge the United Nations to intervene and assist in creating a sustainable future for the next generation in GB.

Nayyar Abbas's passion is writing. He earned a bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science and a master's in Development Studies in Peace and Conflict. He writes about economics, politics, religion, philosophy, and peace. His aim is to highlight classical liberal ideas of economics, politics, and identity changes in a fast-transforming world.

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