The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a resolution to allocate a special quota in government jobs for the families of Pakistan Army martyrs.
The resolution, presented by Minister for Interior Shamsul Haq Lone and read out by Colonel (retd) Obaidullah Baig, called for amending the Gilgit-Baltistan Services Rules to formally include the job quota. Minister for Science and Technology Suraiya Zaman also endorsed the motion by signing it.
During the session, family members of the martyrs and the President of the Shuhada Foundation Gilgit-Baltistan, Bahadur Jamil, were present in the VIP gallery.
The resolution received cross-party support, with both the treasury and opposition benches backing the initiative. Among those who endorsed it were Opposition Leader Syed Kazim Mesam, Minister for Food Engineer Anwar Khan, Minister for Education Agha Shehzad Javaid, former minister Jamil Ahmed, and members Sohail Abbas, Sheikh Akbar Rajani, Kulsoom Farman, Ayub Waziri, Sanam Faryad, and Raja Zakaria.
The resolution stated:
This House proudly acknowledges the sacrifices of the brave sons of Gilgit-Baltistan who gave their lives for the defense and sovereignty of Pakistan. Their courage and service will forever be remembered with deep respect.
The Assembly urged the GB government to allocate the quota under the Army Shuhada Family Assistance Package, ensuring that recruitment is carried out on merit and in accordance with existing service rules to provide dignified employment for the martyrs’ families.
Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate described the martyrs as “the pride and most valuable asset of the nation,” emphasising that their families deserve the highest honor and institutional support. He directed the government to promptly amend the relevant service laws and issue the necessary notification for implementation.
At the close of the session, lawmakers met with the families of the martyrs in the VIP gallery and paid heartfelt tribute to their sacrifices.