Notwithstanding India’s objection, Pak planning to hold elections in Gilgit- Baltistan next month

The war of words between India and Pakistan over Gilgit- Baltistan has heated up at a time of heightened tensions on the LAC amid calls in New Delhi to move beyond mere statements. Pakistan plans to hold elections in Gilgit- Baltistan next month, which India has opposed saying that it’s a part of India and that Islamabad must return the area.

The region is also an issue of dispute with China which has built the Karakoram highway that allows Pakistan to easily access military supplies via land. The highway and Pakistani occupation of Gilgit-Baltistan denies India land access Central Asia. India, seriously viewing the impending elections, had called in a Pakistani diplomat to protest against the Pakistan Supreme Court’s order in “Gilgit-Baltistan”.

Recently, National Security Advisory Board member Tilak Devasher urged New Delhi to move beyond the cosmetic exercise of including Gilgit- Baltistan in its weather bulletin. — TNS

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

Area part of India, wants it to be returned by Islamabad

Also an issue of dispute with China which has built highway

Karakoram highway allows Pak to easily access military supplies via land

Work at Pak Hindu temple site halted

Islamabad: The authorities in Islamabad have stopped construction at the site of the first Hindu temple in the city for not having an approved building plan, according to a media report. The groundbreaking ceremony for the temple was performed by Parliamentary Secretary Lal Chand Malhi recently. The Capital Development Authority stopped construction of the boundary wall on the plot. — PTI

Courtesy: Daily Tribune:  6th July, 2020