Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:09pm on 17 Jul 2026,Friday International
Pakistan is facing fresh protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan following reports that the government plans to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as the country's fifth province. The proposed move has triggered strong opposition from local groups, who fear it will undermine the region's disputed status and further erode their political rights. Demonstrators have accused Islamabad of ignoring public opinion and demanded greater autonomy and constitutional protections. India has consistently maintained that Gilgit-Baltistan and the entire region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are integral parts of India, rejecting any unilateral changes to their status by Pakistan. (PC: India Today)
