The proposed takeover covers 464 kilometres, raising questions about local authority, financing and strategic administration.
GILGIT/ISLAMABAD:
Seven roads covering approximately 464 kilometres in Gilgit-Baltistan are set to be transferred to Pakistan’s National Highway Authority for rehabilitation and maintenance.
The Gilgit-Baltistan cabinet has approved the proposal, which must now be considered by Pakistan’s federal cabinet. Authorities have presented the transfer as a measure to improve tourism and connectivity.
The development has wider significance because Gilgit-Baltistan remains constitutionally distinct and is part of the territory claimed by India. New Delhi maintains that the entire region is an integral part of India under the 1947 accession of Jammu and Kashmir.
The proposal does not itself alter the territory’s constitutional status. Questions remain about funding, construction schedules, environmental clearance and whether elected regional institutions will retain meaningful oversight.
