GILGIT-BALTISTAN:
G-B has not only been kept in a peripheral political stream since the independence, but has also been deprived of its fundamental rights. But now, more than ever before, this oblivion of a region needs the extraordinary attention of the state, given a geopolitical and territorial importance that G-B has acquired especially due to the CPEC project.
G-B needs attention in harvesting its untapped resources and developing infrastructure in potential revenue-generating areas. For instance, due to the procrastination of under-construction power projects owing to malfeasance and lack of fund allocations, G-B is facing umpteenth woes. Work on such projects should be ensured to be completed within the given timeline along with all required technical staff. Similarly, G-B has a unique and potential revenue generative means in the form of agriculture, livestock, mining and tourism. Here, modern technological methods could be utilised to increase production from agriculture and livestock — trout fishes and dry-fruits of G-B are of export quality. Tourism needs significant attention since poor and dilapidated infrastructure severely affects the tourism sector. Funds should be allocated in this regard as well.
Healthcare and education also need to be looked into due to the growing population. All the aforementioned areas of development need attention and completion on a war-footing basis because this region cannot bear the brunt of deprivations anymore, for now people are far more politically aware and concerned about their marginalisation.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1sh, 2021.
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