The government of Pakistan has agreed to launch a devolution reform which is to have an effect on the region known as Northern Areas, now officially renamed Gilgit-Baltistan. The territory is part of the disputed territory of Kashmir, a land claimed by India, Pakistan and partially by China. The new law on decentralization, which has been signed today by Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari, includes the establishing of “a full internal autonomy” for Gilgit-Baltistan. In spite of this, the territory will not be granted the status of province. According to the order, a Council and an assembly with powers over 61 areas will be set up.

Elections to elect deputy members and the prime minister will be held next November. The assembly will have 24 seats for directly elected members, 6 for women and 3 for technocrats. Besides, there will be a governor, who will be appointed directly by the Pakistano federal government.

Some opposition parties from Pakistan have declared that the reform does not fulfill the demands of the local population, since one of the claims by Gilgit-Baltistan was to become a province. Pakistani newspaper The Nation said on August 31 that the government is governing by decree and the ordinance “should have been brought before Parliament and thoroughly debated, consistent with democratic norms”.

Meanwhile, the Balawaristan National Front, a movement in favour of Gilgit-Baltistan’s independence, has said the autonomy package has been designed without previous consultation with affected territories, and criticised the introduction of the “Governor Rule in the manner of Martial Law administrator”.

Further information:

• The Nation: Change in northern areas
• Kashmir Watch: Autonomy to Gilgit, Baltistan: Hurriyat (M) hails Pakistan
• IANS: Autonomy to Gilgit-Baltistan is a joke: Pakistani Kashmiri leader