Coercion or Partnership? Senator Raja Nasir Abbas Warns Government Over GB Neglect

Shiite News: Chairman Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen Pakistan, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri, while expressing strong reservations over the constitutional and economic deprivations of Gilgit-Baltistan, has said that this region, which has a key position in terms of defense, strategy and economy, is being continuously ignored despite being located between four nuclear powers.

In a statement, he said that Gilgit-Baltistan borders China, India and Afghanistan, but like other Pakistani regions, this region is not allowed to have cross-border connections and trade. Only the “Karakoram Highway” provides a trade route from China, which is now becoming a burden for local traders.

He said that the FBR’s imposition of illegal taxes, contrary to the controversial status of Gilgit-Baltistan, is economic exploitation.

The government’s attempt to suppress the ongoing traders’ protest at the Sost border through arrests, threats and pressure is leading to an increase in public anger.

Allama Nasir Abbas said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, who liberated their land and joined Pakistan, are still waiting for constitutional recognition and economic justice.

He warned that the closure of the border may be a long-standing dream of global powers, but if the local government and institutions also adopt similar policies, they will unknowingly fulfill the enemy’s agenda.

He demanded:

The demands of the traders should be immediately acknowledged

GB should be given special customs privileges

GB traders should be given priority in border trade

Constitutional deprivations should be eliminated

He said that now is the moment of decision — “Coercion or participation? Deprivation or sovereignty?” If there is delay, the loss will not only be for Gilgit-Baltistan but for the whole of Pakistan.