CJP proposes plebiscite on constitutional status of G-B, AJK

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are unaware of their constitutional status.

He made this remark during the hearing of the case of judges’ appointment in the superior judiciary of Gilgit-Baltistan in the Supreme Court.

He suggested that a referendum should be held in the part of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan that is under Pakistan’s control.

During the hearing, the Additional Attorney General said that only the United Nations can hold a referendum.

The chief justice responded by saying, “Call the United Nations and conduct a referendum. I don’t know, I’m just asking you whether it can happen or not?”

During the hearing, when the illegal occupation of India on Occupied Kashmir was mentioned, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked that India has annexed (swallowed) Kashmir.

He said, “Hold a referendum in the part of Kashmir and GB that is with us.” The Additional Attorney General replied that we want to bring Gilgit-Baltistan into the constitutional fold by giving it provincial status but there are international conventions that are hindrances, and only the United Nations can hold a referendum.

The chief justice also asked if the federal government has been formed and who is the prime minister.

The lawyer for the Gilgit-Baltistan government replied that the government has not been formed yet. The Additional Attorney General said that it would be better to wait for the formation of the new government because the prime minister is the chairman of G-B Council.