Kaira set to become first governor of Gilgit-Baltistan

[Naveed Yaseen]

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA) Qamar Zaman Kaira would take the charge as Acting Governor of Northern Areas following the federal cabinet approved self-governance reforms package aimed at giving it full internal autonomy besides changing its nomenclature to Gilgit-Baltistan.

A high-powered Committee under the chairmanship of Minister for Kashmir and Northern Areas Qamar Zaman Kaira prepared the reforms package to provide autonomy to the area. The approved Order will be sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for final consent.

Kaira would be the only federal Minister for KANA who would become Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan as in future the two offices would be separated. Qamar Zaman Kaira has been active supporter of changing the status of Northern Areas and granting the people of the area their rights. He as a minister of Kashmir and Northern Areas made untiring efforts for bringing about change in lives of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Keeping in mind his effort the federal government has named him as first Governor of the area.

Qamar Zaman Kaira, born on January 5, 1960 in district Gujrat emerged as a vocal and prominent student leader, and he was elected president student union in Federal Government College Gujrat. He entered politics by joining Pakistan People’s Party. Qamar Zaman was always known as one to raise his voice for freedom of speech and democracy during the time of martial law in the country.

Due to relentless work for welfare of the people of his constituency, he was elected member National Assembly on PPP ticket in 2002 and served as member Public Accounts Committee, National Assembly. He also remained Chairman Standing Committee SAFRON. After the PPP came to power in 2008 elections, he was assigned the responsibilities of the Ministry of KANA. In March 2009 he was also given charge of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=195669