"Is Partisan Governor Acceptable for GB...?"

                     By Shahid Hussain

 The statement of Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) created doubts in the minds of various political fractions regarding the appointment of new governor as saying that governor would be from people party. Leaders from other political parties rejected the idea of partisan governor and are in a view that the position of governor is entirely neutral and represents the federation.

As was expected from the motto of late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto whose survivals repeatedly say about “Reconciliation” remained functionless. Also from the political perspective, mutual consultations with all stakeholders act as a bridge to overcome the probable misunderstanding. Soon after assuming public offices the ruling party from national to provincial level remained passive to ensure the durable political insight of their own late leader. These are selfless interest base motives which extend doubts, conflicts and even division within the society.

It is easier to establish a democratic political structure than have a democratic political culture. Democratic political culture appeal working of a democratic fashion in a pattern of democratic constitution. For the smooth functioning of democratic political culture in GB federation must propose and recommend experienced and neutral person acceptable for all stakeholders for the portfolio of governor. So that the symbol of federation could be ensured in the year to come and the idea of reconciliation will be in practical grounds. Rare democratic values in GB not only paralysis democratic political culture but widen the gap with all political machineries. Mutual consultations regarding any public related issue always establish good and durable links for the long lasting of public welfare programmes.who so ever will assume this public office must treat everyone on equal basis beyond his personal affiliations

Various political parties showed their concern and criticized the statement of chief minister GB Syed Mehdi Shah who said few days before about partisan governor and he never touched constitutional boundaries being a responsible executive figure. Leader of the house in assembly always discourage his cabinet and party members not to meltdown public expectations but our chief minister never felt bothering to make this publicly i.e. governor would be from people party.

Unfortunately senior minister of GBLA Mr. Jafar also supported partisan governor and proposed himself on the basis of long before affiliations with people party. Acting governor who is also speaker of GBLA expressed the desire that he will continue the position of governor if centre will consider his awaiting wish. These three public office bearers supported partisan governor while opposition parties demand neutral governor but public at large expects efficient and acceptable governor for GB.

Now there arise a rift among different political fractions and contrary statements of different public figures about the appointment of governor. How federation will respond to address this issue in the pattern of public expectations. Therefore, federal govt must be backed by right attitudes to normalize public doubts.

Members of legislative assembly and council, who are having public mandate, must be intact to debate and discuss about all issues including neutral and capable governor but not a partisan governor. Various political parties showed their concern and criticized on the statement of chief minister. leader of the house in any assembly always discourage his cabinet members and party members not to meltdown public expectations but our chief minister never felt bother to make this publicly”Governor would be from people party”

                            How democratic norms could be strengthen in GB, so that the forthcoming generations may practice them with full devotion. The partial attitude of ppp leaders will divert the public patriotic eager once for all. As GB received somehow a self governance powers and if these powers are being discharged in a democratic and constitutional manner then succeeding generations will follow their footsteps and the dream of good governance could be ensured.Rulling party in GB  generally and allied parties particularly must be responsible while giving public and media statements regarding the appointment of governor. He should be appointed on the basis of merit and rumors of partisan governor must be discouraged at all levels to create harmony, brotherhood and bi-lateral consensus with all stakeholders in region. The one sided govt recommendations regarding the appointment of governor, may lose the credibility of federal govt and govt of GB.If it happens then public will get back the mental attachments from ppp and no one will relay on the actions, sayings and determination of ppp led govt in the year ahead.

The writer is Gilgit based free lance article writer.
shahid.glt@gmail.com