GB’s Constitutional Rights Do Not Undermine Kashmir Dispute, Says AJK President Najeeb Naqi

ISLAMABAD: President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Dr Najeeb Naqi Khan, has said that the Federal Government is pursuing a proposal to grant Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) interim constitutional province status without affecting the internationally recognized status of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation comprising former Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly member Kacho Imtiaz Haider Khan and former Coordinator to the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Alam Noor Haider at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad. The AJK President emphasized that the people and political leadership of Azad Jammu and Kashmir do not oppose the legitimate constitutional rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Rather, he said, they support their rightful demands and aspirations. Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, President Najeeb Naqi described the proposed construction of the Shounter Pass road and tunnel as a potentially transformative project for both regions. He said the project would strengthen connectivity between Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, promote tourism and trade, encourage cultural exchange, and bring their people closer together. The meeting also reviewed the prevailing political situation, public concerns and development prospects in both regions, with particular emphasis on enhancing cooperation and strengthening longstanding social and cultural ties. President Najeeb Naqi said that the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was peaceful and normal. He also highlighted the provision of wheat and electricity subsidies, along with healthcare and educational facilities, describing these as important measures to support public welfare. He noted that a significant number of students from Gilgit-Baltistan were pursuing their education at various institutions in Azad Kashmir. Emphasizing the longstanding bonds between the two regions, he described Kashmir as a second home for GB students and assured them that Kashmir House in Islamabad would remain accessible to them whenever they required assistance. During the meeting, the delegation invited President Najeeb Naqi to visit Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly to attend the region’s Independence Day celebrations on November 1 as a special guest. The President accepted the invitation. At the conclusion of the meeting, Kacho Imtiaz Haider Khan and Alam Noor Haider congratulated Dr Najeeb Naqi Khan on assuming the office of President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.