New constitutional arrangement proposed for GB

The federal government has begun consultations with stakeholders on a proposed constitutional framework for Gilgit-Baltistan, as authorities work

GILGIT: The federal government has begun consultations with stakeholders on a proposed constitutional framework for Gilgit-Baltistan, as authorities work towards reaching agreement on the region’s political, administrative and financial future.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate told the GB Assembly that the region’s constitutional status was being discussed at the highest level. He said a committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was working on proposals that could be incorporated through a constitutional amendment.

The committee, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, is expected to meet in Islamabad on September 25 and 26. Its members include the GB chief minister, Leader of the Opposition Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, the attorney general and officials from the ministries concerned.

The committee is expected to seek consensus on political and administrative reforms and prepare recommendations for a new constitutional arrangement. Officials said the proposed framework would be developed in a way that does not undermine Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute with India.

Several meetings have already been held to examine the region’s constitutional, administrative and financial challenges. Among the proposals under consideration is a financial agreement between the federal and GB governments similar to the arrangement in place between the Centre and Azad Jammu and Kashmir until the region’s constitutional status is settled.

The GB cabinet has approved the proposed agreement, while the regional assembly has also endorsed it.

Meanwhile, the GB government is preparing to present its delayed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the assembly. The budget is expected to carry a deficit because the region does not have sufficient resources to meet its financial requirements.

The government had earlier approved an interim budget of Rs20.478 billion for the first quarter of the fiscal year. Chief Minister Hussain said the full budget would give priority to social-sector development, particularly initiatives aimed at women and young people.

He also said development allocations had been distributed equally among constituencies without discrimination based on political affiliation.

The chief minister said talks with the federal government were continuing to find a solution to GB’s financial difficulties. The regional government has also demanded a share in the National Finance Commission award, arguing that the existing financial arrangement cannot continue indefinitely.

According to the GB government, Prime Minister Shehbaz has expressed support for the demand. However, the federal finance ministry has maintained that a constitutional amendment would be required before GB could receive an NFC share.