Gemstone Committee in Gilgit-Baltistan Demands Action Against Mineral Department
The Gemstone Core Committee in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) has raised serious concerns about the local community’s challenges. They accuse the Gilgit-Baltistan Mineral Department of illegal operations and corruption, harming local miners and the region’s economy. A committee member urged the closure of the department, claiming it enriches a few in Islamabad while neglecting PoGB’s people, who rely on gemstones for their livelihood.
The committee highlighted the region’s dependence on the gemstone industry, noting the lack of factories and minimal farming land. They criticized the government for failing to provide employment and called for an end to leasing practices that let outsiders exploit local resources. They warned of street protests if their demands aren’t met and requested representation in future gemstone regulation discussions.
A member criticized the current tax policy on mineral stones as unfair and harmful to local interests. The region has seen frequent protests over governance, economic hardships, and demands for autonomy, reflecting ongoing struggles for better governance and living conditions.
Doubts Revealed
Gemstone Committee -: A group of people in Gilgit-Baltistan who are concerned about gemstones, which are precious stones like diamonds and rubies. They want to protect these resources and help local people who work with them.
Gilgit-Baltistan -: A region in the northern part of Pakistan, known for its beautiful mountains and natural resources like gemstones. It is an area with its own local government.
Mineral Department -: A government department in Gilgit-Baltistan responsible for managing and regulating the mining of minerals, including gemstones. They are supposed to ensure that mining is done legally and fairly.
Illegal activities -: Actions that are against the law. In this context, it means the Mineral Department is being accused of doing things they are not supposed to do, like taking resources unfairly.
Corruption -: When people in power do dishonest or illegal things for personal gain. Here, it means the Mineral Department might be using their position to benefit themselves instead of the community.
Resource exploitation -: Taking natural resources like gemstones in a way that is unfair or harmful to the local community. The committee wants to stop outsiders from doing this.
Unfair tax policies -: Rules about taxes that are not just or equal. The committee believes the current tax rules are not fair to local miners and businesses.
Protests -: When people gather to show they are unhappy about something and want change. The committee is warning they might do this if their demands are not met.