We’re a divided nation, says governor

GILGIT: Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Pir Karam Ali Shah has said we have been celebrating the independence day for the last over six decades but with the passage of time it is becoming more of a cultural show. He said we also have become a thankless nation and instead of respecting our independence have become divided among ourselves. [caption id="attachment_5351" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Pir Karam Ali Shah"][/caption] Speaking as chief guest at a function organized on the Independence Day here, the governor stressed the need to promote brotherhood and harmony in the region, adding without unity we cannot achieve our goals as a nation. He regretted that the nation had been divided on the basis of sect, ethnicity. The governor also expressed the hope that Mehdi Shah and his government would set an example by weeding out corruption and promoting merit in the region. The governor also said that without removing the reservations of Gilgit-Baltistan the federal government cannot impose taxes in the region. He said the notification issued in this regard cannot be implemented unless the provincial government enters into some sort of agreement regarding the tax imposition. In reply to questions by media persons, the governor said that the GB Council had prepared its recommendations about the taxes which would be presented to the federal government. He said as we receive billions of rupees from the federal government every year, we should also have to return something. He said taxes would not be imposed on the poor and only those with the income of Rs50,000 and more per month would be brought under the tax net. To another question, the governor said a summary had been moved to the ministry concerned for the appointment of two judges in the Supreme Appellate Court.]]>