GILGIT BALTISTAN: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has strongly demanded that the GB region must be added to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
Gulbar Khan states that the region must be given a substantial share of the budget under the NFC Award, which would make it self-sufficient and not dependent on subsidies.
At a news conference, Haji Gulbar highlighted the point that if the region is provided with a considerable share of finances, it will no longer need subsidies.
He also demanded financial deals with the region, just like those signed with Azad Kashmir. The chief minister also added that a bill is being brought to introduce land reforms in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan.
NFC Award refers to a Pakistan financial distribution mechanism that seeks to fairly distribute funds between provinces and the federal government.
The award has undergone several revisions, with the 7th NFC Award being the most recent one, which was announced in 2010.
The award has been the focus of considerable discussion; some contend that it favors the provinces, while arguments also revolve around its suitability against the federal dilemma.
The chief minister’s demand for GB to be included in the NFC Award is likely to stir up an argument on resource distribution and development of the area.
