Invest, Don’t Grab

Invest, Don’t Grab

Locals in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan claim their land is being given to Green Tourism company at throw-away prices.

According to them, a park in the center of the city is seeing construction activities, with trees being cut down to make way for tourism.

Apart from taking over government rest houses, the company is leasing forest land at throw-away prices.

Gilgit Baltistan is in the grip of climate change, like the rest of the country. Residents fear that deforestation and land grabbing will increase environmental problems in the area.

Speaking to JB Connects Najaf Ali, Chairman Awami Action Committee, said that investing and grabbing are different.

“Our demand is for transparency; namely that tenders be opened to invite renters or buyers on lease.”

The locals say that they need to be taken into confidence before any developmental schemes are launched in Gilgit Baltistan.