SRINAGAR, 27 September 2020, (TON): Top Kashmiri Pakistani leader Syed Ali Geelani has asked Pakistan not to change the status quo of Gilgit-Baltistan. In a statement to media, Syed Ali Geelani issued the statement through Abdullah Gilani in which he asked Pakistan to maintain its consistent policy on Kashmir.

He pointed out, “The recent unfortunate decision to grant Gilgit and Baltistan the status of a provisional province represent a major shift in Pakistan’s so far consistent policy.”He said, “The move will result in disastrous consequences. Pakistan risks not only weakening its legal position and losing moral high ground but also demoralizing Kashmiri people.”

“While the local population in Gilgit and Baltistan may have some genuine grievances and concerns and Pakistan is duty bound to address them, we believe the purpose could have been efficiently and sufficiently served without altering the status quo. The move, in our view, is laden with disastrous consequences. Pakistan risks not only weakening its position and losing moral high ground but also demoralizing Kashmiri people.”

The statement said, “We, therefore, earnestly urge the government of Pakistan to rethink the decision granting provisional provincial status to Gilgit and Baltistan keeping in view all aspects, particularly, the possible detrimental repercussions it would have on the future of Kashmir as a dispute and, consequently, on its final settlement.”