'Hand in glove with militants' Giligit-Baltistan could be next spot for US drone strikes, warns Pak lawmaker

Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) might become the next destination for US drone strikes, a Pakistani lawmaker has warned, saying that local people should detach themselves from militant outfits.

Advocate Amjad Hussain, Chairman Standing Committee in G-B Council Hussain's comments came a day after regional police chief in Gilgit revealed identities of those involved in the killing of 10 foreign tourists and their guide at the foot of Nanga Parbat, the second highest peak located in G-B's Diamer valley.

According to the Express Tribune, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Zakaria, while talking to the media in Gilgit said 10 of the 16 attackers were residents of Diamer valley and had received training from Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA)

Hussian said if locals did not shun their affiliation with the banned terrorist organization like TTP, it is highly likely that the region will become the next destination for drone strikes.

Hussain, also a member of Pakistan People Party (PPP) and known for his candid views on issues, blamed the rise in militancy in G-B due to lack of political culture in the region, which has no representation in the National Assembly and the Senate, the report added.