Govt weighs NFC-based financial framework for Gilgit-Baltistan

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar announced on Friday that discussions regarding the constitutional and legal status of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) are underway, while the federal government is examining ways to include the region in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. GB currently receives annual financial grants from the federal government, but various leaders within the area have been advocating for a share in the NFC award.

During a meeting chaired by Senator Tarar, numerous stakeholders, including representatives from GB, the defence, foreign affairs, and Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas ministries, as well as the GB Council, deliberated on constitutional, legal, financial, and administrative matters. They also reviewed past reports, explored potential constitutional options, and proposed improvements to GB's financial resources.

The GB Assembly has now unanimously endorsed a financial agreement proposal modeled after the arrangement between the federal government and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This proposal, moved by GB Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate, seeks to grant GB a share in the NFC award until it becomes a constitutional part of Pakistan and is included in the NFC.

Currently, GB faces a budget deficit of approximately Rs17 billion, requiring an additional Rs320 billion. Under the proposed AJK-style agreement, the federal government would contribute Rs250 billion to alleviate GB's financial shortfall.

The GB Assembly's vote of approval emphasizes the importance of preserving GB's people's rights and ensuring their sense of equality. Furthermore, the GB cabinet had previously approved the measure, and the Prime Minister's Office has established a committee to examine the NFC framework.