GBLA demands equitable share for Gigit-Baltistan in CPEC projects and revenue
Gilgit: The Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly Wednesday passed a resolution demanding equitable shares for the region in the various projects being undertaken as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Speaking at the occasion, the legislators said that CPEC is vital for development of the Gilgit-Baltistan region and the entire country. They said that Gilgit-Baltistan being ‘the gate-way of the corridor’ needs to be benefited through all means possible to ensure social and economic uplift of the impoverished people.
Two resolutions were presented in the house, one from opposition member Captain (r) Shaif, and one from Law Minister Advocate Aurangzeb. Both resolutions highlighted Gilgit-Baltistan as the gateway of the CPEC project, and emphasized the need for providing projects and revenue to the region. The house later adapted both resolutions, with little amendments.
Through the resolutions, the federal government was asked to ensure that Gilgit-Batlistan gets adequate share in the projects, and the revenue, earned from the trade on the future corridor.
The legislators especially highlighted the need for initiating programs for energy sector development, infrastructure development, establishment of economic zones, development of tourism and minerals industry in Gilgit-Baltistan as part of the CPEC interventions.
GBLA Deputy Speaker Jafarullah Khan said that in order to make the CPEC project successful, grievances and demands of the people will have to be accepted.
The legislators, in the resolution, also urged the federal government organizations to visit the Gilgit-Batlistan region to study feasibility for projects, instead of relying on ‘internet based’ research. They said that experts and companies from Gilgit-Baltistan should be preferred over others.
They demanded of the government to write a letter to Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, and other key figures, to visit the region to discuss fears and aspirations of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
CPEC, which is a hotly discussed and debated topic in Gilgit-Batlistan nowadays was discussed in details during the last sitting of the GBLA’s 7th session.
