Protest in Gilgit-Baltistan over decision to make region Pakistan's fifth province

Protests erupted across Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on March 18th against Pakistan's move to make Gilgit-Baltistan its fifth province. Lawyers in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit are on strike over the move and are demanding amendment to Pakistan's AJK Interim Constitution Act 1974,

A committee headed by Sartaj Aziz, adviser to prime minister on foreign affairs, recommended provincial status for the Gilgit-Baltistan region, Pakistan’s GeoNews reported.

According to news agency ANI, the protesters are saying that the move is an attempt by the Pakistan government to make the region’s land available to theChinese government for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, like it gave the area of Aksai Chin to China in 1963.

The Gilgit-Baltistan region is Pakistan's northernmostterritory which borders the disputed Pakistan-Administered Kashmir. India claims that the area is a part of its territory.

(WION with inputs from ANI)