This is apropos to "GB seeks share of CPEC pie" carried by Business Recorder on Sunday. According to the report, the government of Gilgit-Baltistan has urged the federal government to initiate some development projects for the territory under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The report has made a startling disclosure by claiming that the federal government has so far signed at least 51 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) of different energy and development projects with China but none of them is for Gilgit-Baltistan. In this regard, Gilgit-Baltistan minister for works Dr Muhammad Iqbal has been reported as saying that his government has taken up the issue with the federal government as zero projects under the CPEC for GB is a clear cut case of discrimination against the people of the territory.
That Gilgit-Baltistan has a strong case to make is a fact that cannot be contested under any argument. Unfortunately, however, the growing belligerence of India has hurt its prospects under the CPEC mainly because of the fact that India describes this area as a disputed territory. Although India's is absolutely illegitimate claim, people of Gilgit-Baltistan are unnecessarily suffering from sinister and hegemonic designs of New Delhi. Is there any solution in sight?