In Gilgit-Baltistan, community organizations and residents have announced the commencement of a protest movement opposing the government’s decision to lease local tourism sites, guesthouses, and forest lands to a private entity for an extended period.
The government’s decision involves granting Green Tourism Limited a 30-year lease covering 44 regional locations. The agreement has sparked significant unrest among the local populace.
A coalition comprising various local political, religious, social, and nationalist groups in Gilgit-Baltistan has formed a Public Action Committee to lead the protest efforts. The committee has vehemently opposed the lease agreement, condemning it as a seizure of the region’s natural resources. A large protest rally was recently organized in Skardu, drawing thousands of participants, including children and youth, who voiced their disapproval under the banner “Reject Green Tourism.”
The Public Action Committee, spearheaded by its Chairman, Najaf Ali from Baltistan, articulated that the leasing agreement threatens the economic prospects of local communities, particularly in the tourism sector, which is a vital source of income for many residents. Mr. Ali emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in such transactions, advocating for an open tender process to ensure equitable opportunities.
Furthermore, Ali suggested that any development initiatives should prioritize local employment, especially for the youth, to boost the local economy and preserve the cultural and historical integrity of Gilgit-Baltistan. He criticized the current approach as monopolistic and detrimental to the welfare of the local communities, calling for reconsidering the government’s strategy towards utilising regional resources.
