Senior PPP leader Abbas Mosvi in Conversation with Amir Hussain discusses the land issues in Gilgit Baltistan and recent controversy arose after many properties across Gilgit-Baltistan were leased out to a Private Limited Company. BACKGROUNDThe recent transfer of 37 guest houses and properties in Gilgit-Baltistan to a Pvt. Ltd. has generated significant attention on social media.A document circulating online shows that these properties, managed by the Communications & Works Department and Forest Department, have been leased to a private limited company, which was registered in Islamabad on January 26, 2024, under the Companies Act, 2017.Residents of Gilgit-Baltistan have voiced concerns about leasing numerous properties. They highlighted that many of these properties, especially those under the Forest Department, are community-owned and cannot be leased out without engagement of community. During a press conference in Astore, political activist Abbas Mousavi and local Jirga leaders warned against any attempts to claim the Rama property, emphasizing its ownership by the people of Astore Eidgah, Chongrah, and Patipura.Daskhiram Deosai Supreme Council and the elders of the area also warned the provincial government that if any attempt is made to capture other resources including Deosai, they will make Deosai a pasture again and we will also give strict response to protect their resources. In the press conference held at Gilgit Press Club, the council also said that they will not allow the capturing of local resource in the name of tourism. WHICH PROPERTIES OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN ARE LEASED OUT?Communications & Works Department: Guest houses in Phandar, Gupis, Naltar, Karimabad, Hopper, Sumayar, Chillas, Babusar, Rama, Eidgah, Minimerg, Kachura, Shigar, Baltoro Skardu, Hamidgarh, Khaplu, Singul, Passu, Thalichi, and Chilum.Forest Department: Properties including the Wildlife Hut Naltar, Forest Hut Naltar, Dehee Khunjerab, Babusar, Rama, Chilm, Old Forest Building, Kargah, Jutal, Phandar, Gahkuch, Borith Lake, Buner Das, Hoto, Olding, and Sailing.WHAT IS GB GOVERNMENT SAYING?Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, issued a press release clarifying that 35% of the income generated from this investment will go to the Gilgit-Baltistan government, in addition to a 20% annual rent from the properties. He also mentioned the creation of a Tourism Management Fund, where 20% of the company's total profit will be allocated. This fund will be managed by a Joint Management Board, comprising three representatives each from the government and the institution, to promote tourism in the region.Faraq explained that these arrangements were made under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), involving federal and provincial government officials and the investment board, aimed at bringing prosperity to the area. He assured that the military's role would be limited to providing necessary support to build confidence. He emphasized that the ownership of all guest houses will remain with the Gilgit-Baltistan government.Additionally, it was noted that the KPK caretaker government had previously approved the lease of 17 motels from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation to Green Tourism for 30 years, also under the SIFC's guidance. Netizens of Gilgit-Baltistan took to the internet and press releases have been issued from various people and local institutions to react to the notification issued by Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to lease out the properties.

Amir Hussain, our host and a veteran development practitioner discusses the world of development sector in Pakistan. Along with Amir, we have Fazal Saadi, a research and evaluation expert, and Karim Hayat, an experienced development practitioner who has worked in many developing countries with development sector organizations.

Bureau Chief Dawn News Islamabad, Iftikhar Hussain Shirazi, discusses the fundamentals of society, the relationship of a state with its citizens, journalism, and much more. The conversations take fun turns while also underscoring the significance of the topics in discussion..

We have Mr. Zaigham Abbas, an Environmental Anthropologist, and our host Mr. Amir Hussain putting light on the key issues discussed at the COP 28 conference in Dubai. Mr. Zaigham, who attended the conference, joins in to discuss the long-term impact of over-construction and the huge tourism influx in Hunza, Skardu, and other areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, and how it's burdening the natural environmental processes such as Climate Change and Glacier Melting.

We have Mr. Zaif Syed, a renowned writer and journalist, Mr. Amir Hussain a policy and research expert, hosted by Waqar Sherazi in this interesting podcast. The deconstruct the world of media manipulation and how breaking news can hijack minds. They discuss actual instances and strategies used to influence public opinion, and how the media outlets can deceive their audience with sensationalism and false information.

Ehsam Ullah Baig talks with Dr. Zaeem Zia, DHO Islamabad, who's from Gilgit Baltistan. Dr. Zia shares his experiences as a DHO in Islamabad. The conversation focuses on how important it is for young people to be creative and innovative within their respective fields. Dr. Zia encourages youth to engage in activities that contribute to development.

We had Mr. Hasnain Jamal, a renowned writer, and Mr. Amir Hussain, a policy and research expert, hosted by Mr. Waqar Sherazi. They discussed how civilizations have influenced various fields and established patterns for what we write and say. They also talked about why a 'Sanday Ka Tail Bechnay Wala' is more successful online than a person sharing knowledge. Furthermore, they criticise the concept of love and how we express it. Mr. Hasnain Jamal shared his personal experiences and discussed his book 'Daarhi Wala.' Additionally, they touched upon the differences in life for Generation Z.

Ehsam Ullah Baig, a traveler and influencer, joined our host Ali Najeeb to address the environmental and climate challenges resulting from the extensive tourism in North Gilgit-Baltistan. Tourism has brought about significant adverse environmental effects, such as depleting local natural resources and causing pollution and waste issues.

Raja Nazeem Ul Amin, a well-known businessman and politician, discusses the ongoing power crisis in Gilgit Baltistan and how it affects tourism in the region. Raja Nazeem and Amir Hussain also discuss the effectiveness of the Royal Foundation. Moreover, various important subjects are talked about in this episode, including the immediate opportunities for monetary gain in GB.

In this video podcast, Shoaib Sultan Khan, a renowned development practitioner, shares his journey of making a difference in the lives of rural and underprivileged communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan. Shoaib Sultan talks about his extensive work with the Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN), a federation of rural support programs that have had a transformative impact on the lives of thousands of people in Pakistan. Throughout the video, Shoaib Sultan Khan shares his perspective on community participation and empowerment, which he believes are key components of sustainable development. The video provides a rare glimpse into Sultan's life and career, including his early struggles in remote communities in the region of Gilgit Baltistan.

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