(TRANSCRIBED BY:) SYED ZAIN UL ABIDEEN
Rabita Forum International (RFI) Digital TV Channel recently conducted an exclusive interview with the Governor of Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Syed Mehdi Shah.
The conversation has been transcribed and featured in the monthly Interaction, ensuring accessibility to a wider audience. Nusrat Mirza, Chairman of RFI Digital Channel, hosted the interview.
Q: Gilgit-Baltistan stands as the gateway to CPEC, a vital corridor for Pakistan’s prosperity. How would you assess CPEC’s impact on this region?
A: Indeed, Gilgit-Baltistan serves as the key gateway to CPEC, but unfortunately, its benefits have not been fully realized yet. Neglecting this region could jeopardize the success of CPEC, as it forms the backbone of Pakistan’s development. The credit for this project, however, goes to former President Asif Ali Zardari, who visited China eight times during his tenure. I, too, have visited China twice as Chief Minister, and I am hopeful that CPEC will thrive.
Q: Do you have any concerns about its success?
A: The fact is, this region is the key to CPEC’s success. Instead of attempting to obstruct this path, we should strive to open it further. An assortment of smaller projects won’t make a significant impact. The Karakoram Highway, an older project, is integral to CPEC’s existence.
Q: Which projects would you recommend for inclusion in CPEC to enhance Gilgit Baltistan’s development?
A: If power production plans are incorporated into CPEC, they alone could bring prosperity to the entire region. We can generate 45,000 MW of affordable electricity, following China’s example of supplying free power to its industries. This could help alleviate Pakistan’s severe power crisis, saving foreign exchange spent on oil-operated power plants when we have abundant, inexpensive natural resources.
Q: In your opinion, where should hydroelectric power plants be installed for maximum impact?
A: There are numerous locations along the Skardu to Gilgit route with fast-flowing water suitable for power generation. A substantial plant is under construction in Poonji, albeit with slow progress.
Q: What’s the status of creating an industrial zone in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir?”
A: Documentation exists, but it has not been finalized yet, which is disappointing. One the other hand, the shortfall in electricity supply is increasing with rising demand. If the transmission line plans were included in CPEC, we could take advantage of the 45,000 MW electricity production potential.
Q: How can the transmission line issues be resolved?
A: As I’ve previously suggested, transmission line projects should be included in CPEC. Investors are eager to start businesses here, but the power crisis deters them. We must seize the opportunity to generate electricity from our abundant natural resources.
Q: What alternatives are there for power generation during winter?”
A: Plans for a large dam are in progress. If the Diamer Bhasha dam is constructed, we will have a reliable alternative. Additionally, work on smaller projects in various locations is ongoing. A 35 MW production plant is planned in Wada, addressing the need for 500 MW of electricity in Gilgit Baltistan. However, tenders for the Warey power plant are yet to be released, and it will take several years to complete the dam before constructing the power plant.
Q: Have you noticed any increase in the trade with China due to the One Belt, One Road initiative? Can this corridor generate revenue for Gilgit-Baltistan?
A: Indeed, there is potential for substantial revenue from the corridor. However, there should be a consensus. Disputes over river water distribution persist between Sindh and Punjab, although the Indus River originates from Gilgit-Baltistan.
The corridor can undoubtedly boost income, and once our projects are operational, we can sell electricity. The regional grid system’s tender has been announced, but it’s baffling that the areas where hydropower projects are located won’t receive electricity.
Q: How many gemstone reserves do we have, and what foreign exchange can Pakistan earn from them?
A: Back in 2009, the administrative affairs were managed by the Chief Minister, who was elected by the assembly. Before that, we had a bureaucratic system in place. Unfortunately, during that period, many individuals exploited the system by leasing areas for mining and obtaining substantial bank loans, which were diverted into personal businesses. To address this issue, new laws have been introduced to prevent such practices and promote responsible mineral extraction.
Q: That’s a necessary step. Now, could you tell us where exactly in Gilgit Baltistan these mineral deposits are located?
A: These mineral deposits can be found in various districts, including Skardu, Sugar, Hunza, and Nagar. In the past, these areas were leased for periods ranging from 70 to 90 years, and any extraction activities can only commence after these leases expire.
Q: As per the existing regulations, land ownership by outsiders is prohibited in Gilgit Baltistan. Is there a possibility of reconsidering this law? Could you please provide an update on the status of our tourism industry?
A: While the tourism industry was thriving from 2016-17, certain religious conflicts, particularly in Chilas, have affected Gilgit Baltistan. We achieved a significant milestone by introducing international flights from Skardu, but these developments can be hampered by such issues. For instance, a religious scholar faced an FIR, leading to law and order disruptions. There was an attempt to exploit the situation for promoting regionalism and undermining the flourishing tourism sector.
Q: Every country has its own challenges. In a country like US, if provided with an option, more than 20 states would demand their independence. Political differences between the leaders can’t be exploited there but here in Pakistan, we are being imposed with hybrid war. Gilgit Baltistan is not only a tourist attraction but has some strategic importance as well which is the only reason why this area has to face all these challenges. Can it be prevented?
A: While these features were once attractions, the landscape is changing. Ongoing fanaticism disrupts economic activities, and I urge religious scholars and the youth to focus on their future. Many have invested their savings in hotels and resorts, but for the area and its people to prosper, we need more financial activity. If we ponder over it, Gilgit-Baltistan holds remarkable natural treasures, including six out of the world’s eighth largest mountain peaks, including the second-highest mountain globally. However, despite these awe-inspiring wonders, the region faces ongoing disputes over basic rights. It’s worth noting that the people of Baltistan willingly joined Pakistan after liberating themselves from Dogra Raj and Indian occupation.
Q: During a seminar at Karakarum University, organized by Rabita Forum International, we had the opportunity to learn about the struggle for independence in Gilgit Baltistan. Would you be willing to share more about this with our audience?
A: Certainly, Pakistan gained its independence from Indian occupation in 1947, and remarkably, Gilgit Baltistan achieved its own independence just a year later. An interesting fact about this struggle is related to Thorgo, an area in Skardu. The people of Thorgo fought courageously, and remarkably, not a single casualty was reported, while in other regions, many sacrificed their lives for the cause.
Q: In Uzbekistan, freedom fighters’ names are engraved on brass plates for safekeeping. Shouldn’t we do the same?
A: We owe a debt of gratitude to our freedom fighters and should pay tribute to them for their sacrifices. In fact, we have erected a monument in “Chinar Bagh” where a ceremony is held every year on the 14th of August to commemorate their contributions.
Q: Could you tell us which parts of Gilgit Baltistan are still under Indian control?
A: We share borders with them in Laddakh and Kargil. Similar to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, there should be a road link to these areas.
Q: I have been to Gilgit Baltistan thoroughly and I think it’s essential for people around the world to know about this beautiful region and the unmatched hospitality of its natives. Have you formulated any strategies for promoting it?
A: Despite the unmatched beauty and hospitality that Gilgit-Baltistan offers, it’s crucial to sustain and enhance economic activities. Through your channel, I kindly urge religious scholars and the younger generation to direct their attention toward the region’s future, which holds enormous promise.