THE CONTEMPORARY STATE OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN; A SPECTRE OF PARTITION
THE CONTEMPORARY STATE OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN; A SPECTRE OF PARTITION
By Prince Muhammad Ali Baig
Abstract
This research article is written to find out those factors, gaps, blind spots, or the problems that are encountered by the perspective of people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) under the paradigm of human security, current Gilgit-Baltistan status or as a Provisional Province and with along full-fledged Pakistan. After working on the issues related to the GB, there are some viable solutions discussed in the way forward. The contemporary state of GB is heading towards the transition of the provisional province. GB will always remain a very important geo-strategic and geo-economic location for the strategists of the whole world directly or indirectly. This provisional province of Pakistan can bring harmony, peace, and prosperity to the whole State. Such capability comes with a price and that is what is discussed in this paper. The case is tried to examine the aspects of human security, international law and local narratives along with the sustainable goal of the UN.
The paper is designed to include different important aspects to understand historical perspective, political fabrication, constitutional and administrative journey since 1947, social amalgamation, importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), future perspective with the three level of analysis, conflict resolution mode and policy recommendations. The chosen method of research is both the qualitative and the quantitative. The framework of the paper on which the conflict is tried to resolve is the justice model. Which is based on the principles of cooperation i.e. equity, equality and justice.
Introduction
Pakistan’s fifth potential ‘provisional province’ Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is a politically disputed region due to Kashmir plebiscite issue for almost the last seven and a half decades. That is the reason the name of the paper was chosen as a specter of partition as the conflict left by Britishers during the WW2 between India and Pakistan. GB’s constitutional status is not only a matter of question until now, but the nature of conflict remains before the partition of the South Asian subcontinent and creation of Pakistan. The matter of fact is not only the region itself but the people living in it. Thus, in this paper the issue is discussed through various factors e.g. political, economic, social, International Law and human security paradigms. As provincial province status will bring enormous opportunities to the people of GB it is expected that it will also bring many challenges as well. In terms of structural and functional domain GB covered a significant milestone from the time of partition. However, with the virtual status of provisional province it is still disputed among the stakeholders of plebiscite. The theme of the constitutional status of GB is not that simple to discuss but with growing demand of the public opinion for the provincial status it is becoming inevitable each passing day.
One of the main roles of Pakistan, being an Islamic Republic, is to practice the very core principle of Peace and Justice. The accession of GB with Pakistan was approved by Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah; however as the Kashmir issue emerged at the same time and India went to UN resulting in UN resolutions of Kashmir accepting Kashmiris right of self-determination through plebiscite; Pakistan opted to keep status of Gilgit under administered region of Kashmir so that the people of Gilgit may also join the plebiscite giving advantage to Kashmir cause. With India’s tempering its Constitution i.e. articles 370 and 35A there is rift seen among the natives for the status of GB. The fact that UN and World powers are not showing interest in resolving the Kashmir issue, IIOJK in violation to international law despite prolonged patience by the masses is causing agitation among the people who have been waiting for their constitutional rights for quarter to century now. With the narratives created by India and still bringing on new challenges it is important to address the issue.
Locus standi from the side of a State, the capability to engage different people, provinces and States altogether in a single unit is very difficult with different challenges domestically and internationally. Yet according to the great Chinese strategist Sun Tzu ‘the source of strength is unity’. The inner disputes and obstacles along with the political, economic, social, racial, sectarian and judiciary in opposition to the corruption need to be addressed by Pakistan for a great State in the International Arena.
There should be a clear plan of strategy with the whole chain of events leading up to the final decision. We must look with all potential ahead and try to ensure that all opportunities are guarded, and the plan is a cohesive amalgam of forecasts leading up to the final decision. To avoid fearful consequences, there is a dire need of best possible organization for studying any situation in all its aspects.
Historical Background
Ab initio, Kashmir is divided into different parts on eastern side there is Aksai Chin administered by China and Ladakh under the brutal rule of India. In the middle there are Jammu and Kashmir again under the aggressive and violent administration of India. On the western side a long belt is known as Azad Jammu Kashmir as a State under the protection of Pakistan. On the north western side its Gilgit-Baltistan also used to be known as Gilgit agency, after partition as Northern Areas of Pakistan. GB is in the heart of the Western Himalayas where it has the Punjab of Pakistan in the extreme South. West to Badakhshan in Afghanistan, north to Tashkent in Russia, and east to Xinjiang in China . On it’s Southern-east side the region of Ladakh, IoK Jammu and Kashmir and Azad Kashmir. GB has always been a geo-strategic location for the Central Asian, China to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. In the route of old and new Silk Route i.e. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it possesses great importance as geo-politically, geo-economically and geo-strategically.
The different political dominions on GB have been Sikhs, Britishers and Pakistani. However, Kashmiri Sikhs have never been accepted by the natives of GB all along from the start of their presence and until the time they lost the fight[1]. In the1840s most of the States in Kashmir used to be administered by Sikh empire under Gulab Singh along with the conquest of Gilgit. On the defeat of Sikhs in 1846, under the treaty of Amritsar, the Kashmir State was recognized by Britishers as Maharajas territory. Though the territories were not decided actually and the exact nature of relationship[2], this situation is always exploited by the ruling parties in this region. Later on, in 1876, the GB region under the Maharaja along with the British rule used it as a buffer zone to prevent any attack from Russia, they called the region as Gilgit Agency. In November in 1947 the native people fought with the Maharaja’s army and took their freedom. They then acceded with Pakistan. From that day till the post-Covid era GB was waiting for their Kashmiri brothers in IIOJK for the purpose of plebiscite without any legal status under administration of Pakistan.
| ca. 1842 | First occupation of Gilgit by troops from Kashmir |
| 1846 | Conquest of Gilgit by Raja Gohar Aman from Yasin |
| 1860 | Death of Gohar Aman, reestablishment of Kashmiri domination in Gilgit |
| 1879–81 | Establishment of the first British Agency in Gilgit by Colonel Biddulph, parallel with Kashmiri administration |
| 1889 | Reestablishment of the British Gilgit Agency, period of “dual control” by the Kashmiri and British |
| 1935 | Lease of the Gilgit Agency by the British, end of dual control |
| July 30, 1947 | Transfer of the administration of Gilgit from the British to Governor Ghansara Singh from Kashmir |
| November 1, 1947 |
Insurgence against Kashmir, establishment of “Islamic Republic of Gilgit” |
| November 16, 1947 | Establishment of Pakistani administration. |
International Commission on Jurists (ICJ)
Working for the International humanitarian law jurists under jus cogens ICJ aim to protect and promote human rights through the Rule of Law. The recent situation in ICJ with all the NGO’s named as
- Amnesty International
- Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
- CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation
- Human Rights Watch
- International Commission of Jurists
- International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH)
- International Service for Human Rights
- World Organization Against Torture (OMCT)
They are putting the pressure on India. The accumulated intention is stated on March 11, 2020. The grieving situation on the human rights in IIOJK after the revocation of Indian Constitution 370 and 35A is a concern of the numerous NGOs along with the ICJ. They urged the government of India to ensure the release of everyone detained without charge and remove restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of movement[1].
This side of the picture is always avoided by Indian Government with its recent International Politics. The major players of Global politics should be amicus curiae to the case of IIOJK. Otherwise, this makes the situation of GB more critical and perilous.
Human Rights
On January 17, 2019, the Supreme Court of Pakistan gave its judgement on the de facto Constitutional Status of GB under the Human Rights provided by the Constitution of Pakistan. Followed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s direction in 1999, to extend the fundamental freedom right to Northern Areas (GB)[1]. Judge Mian Saqib Nisar under his ruling stated that until the UN awaiting promised plebiscite records the Kashmiri aspiration as pacta sunt servanda, it is necessary for the governments of both India and Pakistan to ensure that the people of the region enjoy maximum rights for areas within their respective control. Therefore, he in his jurisdiction has passed this verdict that GB is in the capacity to accommodate as a ‘Provisional Province’ under Pakistan administration. But the political stance remained in ambiguous situations and linger the situation of constitutional status of GB[2].
This is to understand that the UN Resolution does not specifically point out GB in the case. However, due to the circumstances GB inextricably linked with that of Kashmir issue. It does not restrain the government of Pakistan to grant or attain basic human rights which is the preamble of the UN charter to ensure human security with the fundamental rights of the people of GB. As the preamble of UN charter[1] says:
“to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.”
Thus, for this purpose there is a need to reaffirmation of faith in fundamental human rights of all people living wherever they are. To achieve this end the practice of patience and tolerance needs to be followed. After understanding the principle of human rights then there should not be any use of force i.e. by arms, psychological factor or even the freedom of speech in any case.
Self-Determination
As compared to the Indian administered Kashmir side with the fight for self-determination as beautifully acknowledged by the New York times through articles and visual tools i.e. cartoons. One of the cartoons show the courage of Kashmiri ladies to protest for their sons, brothers, husbands and fathers, taken away by Indian military for the crime of fighting for the Self-determination. The cartoon with the courtesy to New York Times[1] is on the next page.
As compared to the Indian side, GB people are enjoying most of their Human Rights. There are some aspects where the government of Pakistan is struggling with the people of GB to provide their fundamental rights i.e. the provisional constitutional rights to GB and its people. However, there are some situations whereby freedom of expression, constitutional and legal structures pose obstruction to human rights according to UNHRC report.[1] Although, the public opinions of GB heard and notified by the officials of government of Pakistan through various channels without any restrictions of freedom of speech. It is encountered in various meetings with the politicians, bureaucrats, technocrats and other government officials by the author himself.
Political Fabrication
The absence of Gilgit-Baltistan in the power dispensation and state structure of Pakistan has created a power vacuum in the society, which is gradually filled by sectarian forces, nationalist movements, ethnic regional associations. This is fueled by the common interests of the different governments and discussed as under
1974
In 1974, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto brought in administrative and judicial reforms in the region[1]. He dissolved various princely states in the region of GB and dissolved the FCR system during his period of rule. This provided the provision to win the heart of the people of GB by the PPP government. This is the time when political parties organized with their agendas and activities whereas, no local party emerged. One of the initiatives taken by the government with the Chinese government was the construction of KKH in this year[2]. Although, in 1999 the Supreme Court of Pakistan gave its verdict for the fundamental rights of people of GB but there was no action.
PPP 2009
GB used to be known as Northern Areas of Pakistan until 2009[1] when Pakistani government promulgated the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009. The debate continued whether full internal autonomy was established or not[2]. GB’s highest court, the Supreme Appellate Court, does not have powers to act under suo motu jurisdiction unlike the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
PTI Stance is Not the Quid Pro Quo
Amid election campaigns in GB, the PTI government has announced the constitutional status of GB will be sorted out soon on September 17, 2020. This raises many questions in the minds of different groups of people. Firstly, it may lead to this impression regarding India’s tempering of the article 370 and 35A which has made Jammu and Kashmir one unit of India and Ladakh as one unit. It is not in the response of India’s policies said by the Foreign Affairs Spokesman D.G. Mr. Zahid Hafeez and the Kashmir desk in an interactive session with the Kashmir Institute of International Affairs (KIIR) over the emerging challenges and scenarios of Kashmir on September 30, 2020[3].
Secondly, it may lead to a gesture of good-will for the upcoming elections. Simply the purpose is to win the elections, but this has been cleared with the opposition that the framework[1] will be announced with mutual understanding. It will not do it before the elections. After the elections it will conclude with the proper realization over the issue of all political parties by taking them aboard in the decision. Government’s decision should be taken as a healthy action towards the betterment and answer of the call of people of GB.
Although, government of Pakistan and GB people are not satisfied with the status quo of the Kashmir plebiscite event, it must be done as soon as possible. The urgency is because of the demographic changes taking place by the intentions of Indian government. Where they have announced the domicile law[1] according to which the government of India is making changes by introducing different ways to be the native of Kashmir for the non-locals from India.
Health as a Nebulous issue
In the covid-19 period the health sector has come forward as the weakest sector of the region. as compared to the other provinces of Pakistan it had the highest number of affected people. These people were unable to get the medical facilities, medical staff and medicines. The region is blessed with all kinds of resources, but the basic lifesaving facilities are not there to cater these people. For just a normal disease these people have to come across to the other provinces of the State that is Punjab or Sindh. It is the human right of these people to have health facilities in their own cities. The provisional province option can increase the threshold of the budget which can be used for their health.
Social amalgamation
Different ethnic origins
The famous region of GB is well known for its ethnic diversity in the world. Anthropology researchers love the region for their research. Every district people are distinguished from the other with their language, clothes, food and culture. All with different colors of social and ethnic differences moreover the popular demand of the GB is for the provisional province of Pakistan. There is no threat of discrimination in the future but still there is a factor for the instability in the region.
Different sectarian origins
GB has a variety of Islamic branches within its region. These sects are known to exist pre-partition. Normally all of them live with harmony and peace but the groups of Sunni and Shia have encountered various armed conflicts after 1988. In 1988, a major incident occurred with these two sects which is also known as 88 tension. Since this major armed conflict, the region remained under the siege of conflict from time to time. The popular native perspective regarding the conflict is for harmony and peace but they intend to get this impression of external forces which try to violate the stability of the region. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the potential of a conflict that arose and it can be triggered again to disturb the peaceful environment of the region and manipulate the innocent deprived people of GB. Details are shown below the general number of sectarian populations.[1]
|
District
|
Percentage (as of total population) |
|||
|
Sunni |
Shia |
Ismaili |
Noorbakhshi |
|
|
Gilgit |
35 |
45 |
19.5 |
0.5 |
|
Skardu |
6 |
88 |
- |
6 |
|
Ghanche |
23 |
2 |
- |
75 |
|
Diamer |
100 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Hunza-Nagar |
- |
55 |
45 |
- |
|
Astore |
70 |
30 |
- |
- |
|
Ghizer |
10 |
5 |
85 |
- |
|
Total |
28 |
41 |
20 |
11 |
Educated and uneducated
The total literacy rate of GB within the age of 15-24 is 74.0% according to the survey held by the government of Pakistan and UNICEF in the 2016-17 report[1]. This indication is for read and write based only. People with such literacy grass root skills can grow hunger of knowledge and sense of deprivation. Among these people who have the notion of accumulating themselves from newspapers and other social media are really interested in the political awareness of the region. It takes to the possibility to encounter the legal and constitutional awareness in the populace.
In the period of Covid-19 lockdown, where there was the online education system, a lot of motivation and curiosity of education was seen in the children and the youth. Travelling on top of the mountains where the receptions of cell phones can be received for the purpose of attending the lectures, experienced by a lot of students studying in schools, colleges and the universities. That shows the lack of modern technology, and attention in the region where the world is going towards the 5G technology, a region with such high significance is deprived of basic level of necessities in daily life.
Education is one of the human security concerns. It is so sad that Pakistan is getting behind in this field. Like the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan who is very much convinced by the development of recent developed states. It needs to understand that they started giving importance to education many decades ago. This is the edge of realization to reform the education system with the help of modern technologies. Being as a Islamic Republic it is also important to teach the students the true essence of Islam from the lens of ‘Islam’ which means ‘Peace’.
CPEC impact
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is one of the great games of the world. The two friends China and Pakistan are the partners of this big project based on sustainable development, political, economic, social and technological prospects. The project’s $87-billion package includes roads, railways, pipelines and a port in Pakistan. There are multiple factors that can play their role to affect CPEC but the importance of this project is so vital for both countries. Those factors include the regional security of Afghanistan from its peace perspective. Secondly, the competitive neighbor environment of Iran and India. Thirdly, the Indo-USA is strengthening their relations against the containment of China and its economy.
The major element of the CPEC is the Karakoram Highway (KKH) which bypasses GB. On January 4, 2010, a natural disaster occurred which resulted in the formation of Attabad Lake by choking the Karakoram highway. On top, the seasonal barrier because of which the KKH halts for three to four months in a year. Such events dent the economy of the local people of GB as well as to Pakistan. Due to the importance of the KKH from GB and India’s claim over GB and AJK will be a real concern for the policy makers of Pakistan to tackle India’s activities.
The importance of GB lies in the fact that it is the gateway to China, Central Asia and Russia to the whole world from Gwadar Port. From the Indian think tanks scholars and researchers, it has also the military strategic importance to both China and Pakistan. It is under construction to accommodate heavy vehicles in extreme weather conditions. More importantly Pakistan needs to legitimize the status of GB to exercise the benefits of CPEC. With the agendas and claims by India in the world with its economic position it will try to legitimize its propaganda as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
Along with the superpowers US and China trade war India as a US ally, it is clear that CPEC holds a significant role in the domain of Pakistan’s interest. Though, not to tie any bad knot with the US but clearly there is no matter of conflict concerning the US on the surface. Where there is no one to question India which is taking illegitimate actions over a disputed region unilaterally, Pakistan should at least take part in focusing self-determination included in the basic rights given and agreed by the charter of UN.
Future perspective and Challenges
- Individual
The contemporary constitutional status of GB leads to human insecurity in so many ways. Already the existing mainframe of the provincial structure practiced by the State is, nevertheless, the federation-federating unit relationship is not like the same to other provinces of Pakistan. There is no representation of GB in the National Parliament (the national assembly and the senate) and result in the representation of the native people in the national cabinet, too. This also resulted in snatching the opportunity of GB populace for becoming the President or Prime Minister of Pakistan. This leads to deprivation in the region from the national decision-making process.
It is also the challenge for the people of GB to nurture themselves for the new political arena where there will be bigger clusters of representation in the assembly.
It is the stamina and the nature of the democratic state to address each citizen living in. There may be complaints, grievances, problems etc. by the people to the state. State should give this confidence and support, create an environment by giving them a platform to address the issues. This will maintain trust between people to the state. Also, it will help to keep away any foreign support against the peace of the state.
- State
Issues in the field of health, education, politics and justice, weak institutions become the reason for the frustration because of leaving them in negligence and delaying. After all, “justice delayed is justice denied”.
In terms of Pakistan will face quite few challenges to take GB as a provisional province. Pakistan’s economy is not that strong to cater a new province straight away but after doing it legitimately it can generate income from the tax and customs. Also, by introducing new hydro-power dams which will bring prosperity in both GB and Pakistan. Right now, Pakistan is crumbling due to issues like unemployment, poverty, lack of investment and corruption, justice with law and order.
Both Pakistan and GB have to face the plebiscite in the future. From the vantage point of GB, it has acceded to Pakistan a long time ago. If Pakistan embraces them under the umbrella of human rights and self-determination it can be a big reason for the purpose of plebiscite.
Both GB and Pakistan have to nurture the stamina of the new political environment as the people of GB as a Prime Minister or President of Pakistan. Pakistan will also deal with the provincial politics that can be easily seen in the future.
The local Government of Pakistan came with the agenda of getting rid of Corruption and implementation of Justice with law and order. After these long years PM Imran Khan is unable to deliver his promise. This is the key area that has been identified by himself before becoming the PM. Again, his words are his own challenge on different levels i.e. individually and for the State.
- Global
Pakistan must work in the field of advocacy the biggest challenge is to stand on the stance with the just and clear arguments. As there are four stakeholders in the Kashmir issue. The first is Kashmir itself, it is to be clear to understand the regions of Kashmir, there are the regions of Aksai Chin, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Then the other three stakeholders are China, Pakistan and India. Pakistan has to present and justify its position of making GB as a provisional province on the grounds of human rights, self-determination and with the will of the populace of GB.
Way forward
The issue of legal status of Gilgit can be resolved through the Justice Model of Conflict resolution. Restoration of justice that promotes healing. According to Kautilya Chanakya, the empowerment of a State comes from the notion of Justice. Kautilya’s Judicial System called ‘Dandaniti’, ‘the science of law enforcement’ is an important part of The Arthashastra. He believed if there is no justice there is no society or State. In a social environment structured with justice leads to prosperity and strong-willed defence with security. He suggests to the Rulers that if you must invade even a small State, first check if the King of the State is just or not. If he is just then he argues not to attack that State, leave it alone. Idea is simple, he explains, the people treated with law and justice will love their king. It will not be the army alone who will fight, there will be the whole nation. He continued,
“Unprotected, the small fish will be swallowed up by the big fish. In the presence of a king maintaining just law, the weak can resist the powerful.”
Kautilya argued that corruption retarded economic growth by siphoning-off resources and by adversely affecting law and order.
This justice model also argues on the different terms i.e. equality, equity and to channelize better justice inside the state for the betterment of the individual of a society. There is a need to understand these approaches. In simple words, first there should be equity that should be followed because it offers the idea to help those who are the weakest among the society. To bring them on the level of every citizen enjoying the same basic facilities by fulfilling their needs. It should be considered that on State level, it is the right of people of GB to get a legal status as a provincial province of the state.
In the case of GB already people are very loving to Pakistan but there is a weak justice system from the perspective of State-State and in the domestic issues as well. From the perspective of human security and sustainable goals by the UN. There are many issues in Pakistan for the Pakistanis which can be discussed under problems of clean water, education, minimum wage payments and other critical societal issues. Under the umbrella of Justice there is peace, harmony and development. This leads towards the betterment in the field of economy, politics, social, human security, and technology. It is high time for Pakistan to focus on its law enforcement institutions, either reform it or start taking special notice of the system.
General Andre Beaufre, a French general has written in his book regarding strategy that strategy is the concept of ‘thought process’ for the achievement of the policy ends by eliminating errors that happened in the past. He believed as he gave the example of the fall of colonization of the great empires such as British Empire after WWII. Britain and French have been ‘bankrupt of strategy’ since WWI and the result came with the introduction of Anglo-Saxon power after WWII.[1] Where the US was working on the strategies to become the sole military and economic power of the world. So, the strategy is not only a science, it is the art and philosophy as well. It is the time for such a grant and clear strategy for GB and Pakistan. A strategy that can help and sort out the problems lingering on for decades. Human security, human rights, self-determination, humanitarian crisis, sustainable goals etc. all belong to society and fundamentally every human being on the face of earth.
For the above-mentioned matter, a solution can be for the people of GB to have a ‘Duty Free’ State of Pakistan. This idea flourished after the author met with the President of AJK Mr. Sardar Masood Khan. Mr. President mentioned that they are supportive to the people of GB for accessing their civil rights as undermining citizens of Pakistan due to the fact of the UN resolution prolonging from the time of independence to this date[2]. As there are numerous critical thoughts in the minds of people i.e. in and out of the GB regarding the provisional province of Pakistan. Also, the economic dimension of GB is also a point of deep concern with those who want GB as a State. Following solution is the hybrid concept of Dubai Sea port, and Switzerland tourism model.
This solution will sort out different problems of GB. Firstly, the people of GB will get their legal status with an autonomous assembly under Pakistan’s defence and order. Secondly, due to being a ‘Duty Free’ state people of GB can enjoy trading through the great project of CPEC. Their basic life necessity will be fulfilled with it. The collection of products in GB from Central Asia, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India can give the tourists an attractive place to visit and shop. An industry of tourism can bring a lot of foreign money in the form of shopping during their visit to GB. As a limited amount of shopping will be tax free for instance a $1000 and above that tax will be charged. A transit fee will be charged by the state of GB from border to border crossing of the containers of businessmen and tourists. For the businessmen investment in banking due to being a tax-free region will bring great charm for the region. Being as a state will also address those who want to be GB as a state called as nationalist and those who want a legal status until the plebiscite of Kashmir. Last but not the least, the trade with India will also give room for the composite dialogues between India and Pakistan for the peace in the region.
This is merely a direction, a different solution for the people of Kashmir as whole. There can be more options for the people of GB, Kashmir and Pakistan for a better future. It can still be a provisional province as a tax-free region. The only big problem lies for the betterment of people of GB for their political, economic, and societal well-being.
Conclusion
It needs to be considered for the narratives among the scholars that after the independence of GB in 1947. The evolution of transition of political powers assumed in GB from Gilgit agency of British rule to Northern Areas of Pakistan then to Gilgit-Baltistan as a provisional province of Pakistan happened as a phase from colonialism to post-colonialism. It is not assumed as a legal part of Pakistan and it is not administered by Pakistan as constituting part due to the issue of Plebiscite.
There is no universal strategy that could fit in any scenario. There is a dire need of institutions and within the institutions serious amount of research and introducing of different ideas and thought process. That can formulate and address different solutions in the form of strategies to encounter the problems for Pakistan. With regards to the Justice Model conflict resolution theory, it is evident that, even in Quran (the Muslim Book of guidance) the Creator emphasizes clearly on Justice in the chapter of Al-Rehman.
The sacrifice of people of GB should be recognized and considered for the big cause and along with the Kashmiri people. Although, under the Constitution of Pakistan GB people can get their constitutional rights but for the sake of the people of Indian administered Kashmir; GB and Pakistan have refrained themselves from the legal perspective of the region. But now as the world knows the Human Rights and the Self-determination agendas there should be a way to cater and satisfy the quench of people of GB by giving them legal status.
Therefore, GB should be recognized as Provisional Province of Pakistan until the plebiscite occurs. If not, then there should be an alternative policy as discussed in the paper should be followed like making it a ‘Duty-Free zone’ as a State or provisional province. So that it will benefit the people of GB along with the CPEC project and bring the overseas investments in GB and Pakistan.
The political fabrication along with the struggle of people of GB is getting near towards the milestone. This journey is continued with the passions of both stakeholders i.e. people of GB and the Government of Pakistan. It is to be considered that the government is providing the space for the freedom of speech much bigger as compared to the government of India discussed thoroughly in the paper with the International reports and references. Yet, there is a need to understand for treading along with each other that people of GB are loving both to each other and to Pakistan. Thus, their trust and love should be rewarded and kept with respect by the whole international community.
There should be well-founded institutions, organizations, think tanks etc for the method of analyzing any situation and unless we have accrue knowledge of developments in progress and of the opportunities offered by inventions of every description.
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