Pakistan

Legislating in G-B: Corporation status for tourism, mineral sector

G-B assembly set to legislate on tourism and mineral deposits.

Express February 03, 2011

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) assembly is set to legislate on tourism and mineral deposits as the G-B Council has finalised its recommendations for awarding both the sectors the status of corporations, sources said on Wednesday.

An electricity board will be instituted for the power sector, sources added. “The managing committee of the G-B Council has discussed and prepared its recommendations. The laws will be incorporated soon,” said a provincial government official. “Various laws dealing with minerals and tourism in other provinces are being studied by authorities in G-B, with an aim to replicate successful models in the region,” he said, adding the bills are expected to be passed from the assembly easily, as legislators do not have specialised knowledge on the subjects.

The legislation is expected to increase revenue collection through institution of rules and regulations for tourists, individuals and corporations visiting, or investing in, the region. The laws in place in Balochistan could be extended to G-B, suggested a member of the G-B Council Mohammad Ibrahim. With their implementation, the region is expected to make much progress in development, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2011.

COMMENTS (2)

Muhammad Yaqub Shah | 13 years ago | Reply This is not appropriate time for the formation of a CORPORATION for the mineral sector in G-B in view of the fact that it does not have any saleable/bankable geo-technical data on the basis of which either a profitable venture could be initiated on a corporate scale or a joint venture with other public/private entrepreneurs could be formed. Need of the time is that it is obligatory on the Govt. of GB to implement the National Mineral Policy in letter and spirit which has all the requisite provisions for development of mineral sector. Had this policy been implemented in GB at the right time as has done by other provinces of country, the scenario of mineral sector in GB would have changed to the extent that by now it would have a global recognition as a leading mining province of the country. May Almighty Allah save the GB from the clutches of the “BUREAUCRATS” of Pakistan further more who did not do it and are merely concerned to their vested interests instead of any developments in this mineral rich and backward region of the country. I don’t mind publicizing these views showing my identity.

ghulam Nabi Raikoti | 13 years ago | Reply Iam rather surprised to see the sudden interest of our legislators to safegaurd the interests of the people of Gilgit Baltistan. It is a welcome development on the one hand, on the other hand it is a matter of grave concern that our authorities are trying to adopt sustainable tourism models from provinces where tourism doesnt exist. If there is any vision related to tourism exists, it is only in Gilgit Baltistan. we do not need to adopt any model. Tourism models are sustainable only if they are designed according to natural environs of a particular region. There is no other province in Pakistan which could match the geography of GB. In the light of its uniquness the model has to be in harmony with our culture, tradition and values. One of honorable politician suggests to adopt laws related to mineral exploitation from Baluchistan. The honorable politician probably doesnt know what problems are being faced by the people of Baluchistan due to the imbigous policies and procedures regarding resource exploitation. We need to put in place adequate environmental and social safegaurds while ensuring sustainable exploitation of our resources.

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