IMD forecasts now include PoK's Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad

In a subtle change, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has started issuing weather bulletin for areas under the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad region.

The weather agency now lists local weather report and forecast for towns in Gilgit Baltistan region in its daily forecast for 'north-east India'. As per reports, Ghizer, the area in the far-west area of Ghakuch in PoK will also be uploaded shortly.

The IMD website is now showing the daily weather conditions in towns such as Muzaffarabad, Skardu, Nilam, located in Gilgit-Baltistan region. 

This is the first time the agency is predicting forecasts for these areas under the 'north-west subdivision'. The first such forecast for Gilgit was shared on Tuesday.

"The IMD has been issuing weather bulletin for entire Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh area. We are mentioning Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad in the bulletin as they are the parts of India," said IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

India has always maintained that PoK is a part of India. Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly continues to reserve 24 seats for constituencies belonging to PoK. Even post August 5, when the government revoked Article 370 from Jammu and Kashir that granted special status to the erstwhile state, the seats have been retained.

It may be noted that the decision come a day after the Supreme Court of Pakistan announced elections for Gilgit-Baltistan.