09/04/2025
Minerals of Gilgit-Baltistan — Our Future or Someone Else’s Profit?
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between China and Pakistan to extract minerals from Gilgit-Baltistan.
But the real question is: What do we get out of it?
1. Was Gilgit-Baltistan properly represented?
Yes, the Chief Minister was present,
but were any economists, environmentalists, legal experts, or technical specialists involved?
Representation is not just about protocol — it’s about vision and understanding.
2. Was the public consulted?
How was such a major decision made without consulting the people, the youth, or the local community?
Why was this agreement kept under wraps?
3. What will we actually get?
Will Gilgit-Baltistan receive a share in the revenue?
Will local people get jobs, training, and decision-making power?
Or will the riches be extracted from our land while we are left with only dust?
4. We are not against development
We welcome progress —
but if development is happening in Gilgit-Baltistan,
then decisions, control, and ex*****on must also involve the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
If you think we lack the capacity,
then teach us, train us, give us technology — and then work together.
5. The MoU must be made public
We demand that the full contents of the MoU be disclosed.
We have the right to know:
What does the agreement actually say?
Who benefits from it?
What guarantees exist for Gilgit-Baltistan?
6. What do past MoUs teach us?
This is not the first time such agreements have been signed. We’ve seen it before —
Swat: Agreements were made for mineral extraction, but the locals got little benefit. The environmental damage and militarization caused more harm than good.
North Waziristan: Development promises were made, but the region was left with damaged infrastructure, displacement, and no long-term local benefit.
Balochistan (like Reko Diq): Riches were taken, but the people still live in poverty. The profits went elsewhere.
History has shown us: when people are not involved, and transparency is missing — the region suffers, not prospers.
7. Don’t call us traitors
We are not against Pakistan. But you never truly recognized us.
