Political activists criticise Pakistan SC's decision to hold polls in Gilgit-Baltistan

Reacting strongly to the Supreme Court's decision, Senge H. Sering, the President of Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies told ANI, "The Supreme Court of Pakistan has made an illegal ruling in the context of occupied Gilgit Baltistan since it is not a constitutional part of the country. Pakistan is an occupier and must withdraw from Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Baltistan."

He added, "The United Nations had asked Pakistan to establish local authority in Gilgit in 1947. UN asked Pakistan to refrain from a material change in the occupied territory. The presence of Pakistan's troops in Gilgit Baltistan constitutes material change."

"No referendum on political future of Gilgit Baltistan can be valid until all Pakistani nationals leave", said the activist.

Sajjad Raja, Chairman of The National Equality Party JKGBL said that no Pakistani court has the power to allow the central government to interfere in the internal affairs of Gilgit Baltistan.

"Gilgit Baltistan has a Legislative Assembly and a government, and the people of Gilgit Baltistan have the sole right to decide when and how they should hold elections and form an interim government. No government or court of Pakistan has the constitutional and legal right to take any decision in the affairs of Gilgit Baltistan," he told ANI. 

The Pakistan Supreme Court last week allowed its government to hold elections in September in Gilgit-Baltistan region and setting up a caretaker government during the interim period.

The order reportedly mentioned that the region came within its domain.

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