British MP files motion to condemn Pakistan for Gilgit-baltistan occupation

A MOTION has been tabled in the UK parliament condemning Pakistan’s “arbitrary” move to declare the strategic Gilgitbaltistan region, bordering disputed POK, as its fifth province.

Pakistan media reports had said the move to incorporate Gilgit-baltistan as new province after seven decades of independence followed pressure from China over the disputed status of the two areas which formed part of the US$ 46 billion China-pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

Bob Blackman, a Conservative Party MP, who regularly speaks out in support of the rights of Kashmiri Hindus in the House of Commons, tabled the Early Day Motion (EDM) titled ‘Annexation of Gilgit-baltistan as by Pakistan as its fifth frontier’ on March 23.

The motion said that Gilgitbaltistan has been illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947 and the country is attempting to annex the already disputed area.

It said that Gilgit-baltistan is a legal part of Jammu and Kashmir, which is illegally occupied by Pakistan and where people are denied their fundamental rights including the right of freedom of expression.

Other British MPS are expected to sign the EDM.

Commenting on the motion, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was a motion moved by a member and not a resolution. Skirting any references to Pakistan’s move to merge Gilgit-baltistan, the spokesperson’s office said there is no change in China’s stand on the Kashmir issue as result of the CPEC.

China’s position on the issue of Kashmir is consistent. It is an issue between India and Pakistan left over from history and it should be properly handled by them through dialogue and consultation,” the ministry said in written response to a query about the motion.

Gilgit-baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. It has a regional assembly and an elected Chief Minister. PTI