Gilgit-Baltistan

G-B: Protests against resource capture, & misuse of ATA against activists

Political leaders, representatives from trade and hotel associations, and youth organizations addressed the protesters at Ittehad Chowk in Gilgit and Aliabad in Hunza and criticised Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) authorities for what they termed as ‘anti-people decisions,’ including leasing public assets, tourist spots, and guest houses to the Green Tourism company.
Moreover, they denounced the leasing of mineral and water resources to corporate and influential entities, the increase in university fees, and the exploitation of local traders at the Sost border.

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Hyper-tourism: Skardu residents’ predicament

The recent surge in tourism — often referred to as “hyper-tourism” — has cast a shadow over Skardu once-idyllic haven. The influx of vehicles has overwhelmed the city’s already fragile ecology and poor infrastructure, creating significant challenges for the local population.To ensure that tourism remains a blessing rather than a problem in the region, a multi-layered approach is needed to ameliorate the situation.

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Putting people and ecology at the core: fostering ecotourism in G-B

Gilgit-Baltistan government’s recent decision to lease out 37 properties, including motels, guesthouses, and nurseries, along with lands owned collectively by local communities, to a newly established ‘green tourism company,’ has sparked significant controversy and debate both in the public sphere and on social media platforms. By prioritising community involvement in decision-making processes and honouring their rights, the GB government can pave the way for responsible tourism

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Falak Noor case: a clarion call for justice and protection

The case of Falak Noor has revealed significant differences between medical assessments, legal interpretations, and the protection of minors’ rights.

It appears that both the medical board and the two-judge bench of the Chief Court were not sensitive enough or failed to fully consider the implications of child marriage and the legal definition of minors.

The core issue at hand revolves around a fundamental question: How can we, as a society, tolerate such ambiguity when it comes to establishing the age of a minor? The court disregarded the official Form B of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the birth certificate issued by the hospital where the child was born, for reasons unspecified.

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