GB to be granted same powers as other provinces: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday said Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) will get the same powers as those granted to the other provinces.

A seven-judge larger bench headed by the chief justice heard a case pertaining to the constitutional status of GB.

As the hearing went under way, the attorney general presented an interim draft proposal pertaining to GB and said, “We need time to complete the draft. We are giving powers pertaining to lawmaking and administration and have tried to implement the Constitution of Pakistan in the draft. We cannot make GB a separate province but can grant it all provincial powers.”

The chief justice remarked, “This is commendable. GB residents say they are not being granted the powers.”

At this, the GB deputy advocate general informed the bench, “This draft has not been presented before us as yet. We should be permitted to present our recommendations as well.”

The attorney general responded, “We are trying to accept all demands of GB residents.”

Justice Nisar then remarked, “I believe all provincial powers should given. GB will be given the same powers that have been granted to other provinces.”

The bench directed that a meeting be called in this regard at the attorney general’s office on Thursday.

The court also formed a committee which will be headed by the attorney general to finalise the draft bill. The committee will comprise Aitzaz Ahsan, Salman Akran Raja, Chaudhry Afrasiab Advocate, GB law minister and secretary Kashmir affairs.