The Gilgit-Baltistan Status debate moved forward after the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly unanimously passed a resolution seeking interim provincial status for the region through constitutional amendments and new legislation.

The resolution urges the federal government to declare Gilgit-Baltistan an interim province by introducing the required constitutional and legal reforms.

Lawmakers said the proposed move would not affect Pakistan’s legal or diplomatic position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The resolution also states that interim provincial status would remain subject to any future plebiscite or political settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

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The assembly called for Gilgit-Baltistan to receive constitutional, political and democratic rights equal to those enjoyed by Pakistan’s other provinces.

It also demanded representation for the region in the National Assembly, the Senate and other federal constitutional institutions.

Lawmakers urged the federal government to begin the required constitutional, legal and administrative process without delay. They also called for consultations with all relevant stakeholders in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The resolution further requested the inclusion of Gilgit-Baltistan in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Lawmakers said the measure would ensure the region receives a fair share of national resources and development funding.

They argued that the move would give residents equal access to the constitutional rights and economic opportunities available in the country’s other provinces.

The resolution carries the signatures of Leader of the House Amjad Hussain, Leader of the Opposition Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman, Deputy Speaker Malik Khalilur Rehman, and members from both the treasury and opposition benches.