Islamabad – In a candid and exclusive discussion with senior journalist and President of 4thpillar media platform Farooq Mirza, Senior Deputy Convenor of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Dr. Farooq Sattar reaffirmed his party’s longstanding support for granting Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) the same constitutional rights and provincial autonomy enjoyed by other provinces in Pakistan.
During the conversation, Dr. Sattar emphasized that Gilgit-Baltistan deserves full provincial status or, at the very minimum, equivalent rights to those provided to Pakistan’s federating units. “We have openly stated that Gilgit-Baltistan should be made a province of Pakistan,” he said. “Whether it becomes a province or not, the people there must be given all fundamental rights that provinces enjoy. Essential exemptions, such as tax relief necessary for their development and reconstruction, should remain in place.”
The remarks come amid ongoing preparations for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, originally scheduled for January 24, 2026, but recently delayed by the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan (ECGB) due to harsh winter weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and extreme cold across the region. A caretaker government is currently in place, and a revised election schedule is expected soon. Dr. Sattar noted that while elections are not currently underway, discussions on GB’s future would intensify once polling occurs.
Dr. Sattar also touched on potential collaboration, expressing willingness to appear on media platforms like News Voice for promoting party vision, particularly in an “American-style setup” context. He humorously acknowledged personal time constraints, saying he struggles to give time even to his wife, and requested exclusive slots for meaningful political discourse.
The dialogue highlighted MQM’s consistent advocacy for GB’s empowerment, aligning with broader demands from local leaders and parties for NFC Award shares, constitutional integration, and accelerated development in the remote mountainous region. Dr. Sattar’s comments underscore the need for inclusive federal policies to address GB’s unique geographic and economic challenges.
This conversation reflects growing political attention on Gilgit-Baltistan’s status ahead of delayed elections, with mainstream parties increasingly focusing on constitutional reforms to ensure equitable rights and representation for its residents.
