Gilgit-Baltistan CM criticises Narendra Modi's remarks

Islamabad, Sept 1: Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafizur Rehman on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on human rights situation in PoK and Balochistan.

Addressing a conference on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said Modi's remarks were a "manifestation of growing Indian frustration over cooperation between China and Pakistan."

"India feels isolated in the region after the CPEC as part of greater One-Belt One-Road (OBOR) was launched to link 3 billion people of South Asia, Central Asia and China," he claimed.

He said Prime Minister Modi was under pressure due to the situation in Kashmir and his "anxiety has increased due to successful execution of the CPEC".

Rehman said that people of Gilgit-Baltistan would defeat any conspiracy against the CPEC project which offered great opportunity for the region's development since 1970 when the historic Karakoram Highway was constructed.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi highlighted human rights violations in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.

IANS