The residents of Gilgit-Baltistan have
been treasuring 4 beautiful seasons having loads of colors in the highlands but
one question harkens like a shadow, that how long these priceless bliss will
last???? The undeniable grief is pinching in my subconscious when I hear “Economic
Corridor” which has now become outlandish mantra of the holy land.
The land of Gilgit-Baltistan is known
for their natural bounties, the fragile mountain eco-system and unmatched diverse
cultural practices, these rewards are cherished, valued and adored among
researchers and travelers worldwide.
The zoologists and botanists declared
this region a central bank of some precious flora and fauna, for the
glaciologists it remained home of unending white and black glaciers, for the
travelers it’s not lesser then a heaven, for the conservationists it remained
the last resort of some endangered species, for the culture campaigners and researchers it offers a complete package
of diverse cultural practices and incomparable languages/dialects having
soulful melodies, for the sports enthusiasts GB has always welcomed mountaineers, rock climbers, mountain bikers,
kayakers, river rafters, paragliders, admirers of freestyle polo and what not,
for the historians and explorers it opened ways to unresolved mysteries and
ancient civilization.
The
well-known Karakorum Highway (KKH) runs through many villages and towns of
Gilgit-Baltistan, which has undoubtedly eased the road journey for travelers. This manmade wonder has accelerated
socio-economic development in the region as well as opened plenty business
horizons and facilitated import and exports opportunities.
No
wonder this “wonder” has also been doing great damages, no matter how
loud the jingoists yell. This wonder has been contributing adversely ranging
from land damages, plant removal, land, air, and noise pollutions and plenty
others.
Now
coming to the real point as we all know the Chinese and Pakistani sides have recently
agreed to give Economic Corridor a real shape, which is worth 45 Billion
Dollars. This multibillion dollar project is believed to be a game changer for
both countries as well as for the entire region. No doubt it will be game
changer as it will open horizons for economic development and will ease paths
for investment opportunities, which is a total blessing for economic giants.
Taking
a Birdseye view of project plan it appears that both sides have completely
ignored indigenous communities during the whole process. These poor communities
living in various part of the region will fade away as there is no sign to give
them stake in the whole process. There should have been consolidated advised
plans at micro-level to secure some basic rights of these indigenous
communities, which would have gained trust of people at mass level.
While
looking at macro level it seems the Economic Corridor project will
revolutionize economies of both sides if planned and implemented sincerely but
it will do colossal damage at micro level. If exemplified it will be like a
fight between two mad bulls but the grass will be crushed beneath. The fear of
such happening can’t be ignored especially to the people of Gilgit-Balitstan.
The
trick of bypassing the inhabitants of Gilgit-Balitstan seems again working
pretty well, as the unlucky inhabitants can’t even think about their due
rights, whether its Indus River royalty, inbound/outbound travelers fee, mining
and precious gems licensing fee,
airspace duties, Sost Dry Port and Custom duties, and many more. The deity
knows better what will happen to the royalties of Diamer-Bhasha and Bunji Dames
as the central authorities are looking forward with great hunger.
In a
meeting in regarding Economic Corridor, when inquired about possible
benefits for the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan one of our holy Chinese friend
replied they can open carwash center, which clearly shows sincere
approach of concerned authorities of both sides.
If
the ignoramus approach of central authorities remains unchanged then the
efforts for uprising, and revolts will be welcomed, as we have seen a shift in
recent election of GBLA.
One
can read the published post HERE