Opinion | Human Rights, Development and Public Aspirations in POGB

Pakistan Occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) is situated at a strategically important place in the north of the larger Jammu and Kashmir area. With mountains all around and having great natural resources, this region has huge potential for the development of tourism, trade, hydroelectric power production, and culture. In spite of this huge potential that is present in the region, people in the region keep raising questions about representation, employment, and protection of basic human rights. People in the region have been making increasing noise over the years about the disparity between the potential of the region and its realities. What the people of Gilgit Baltistan want is a future that ensures inclusive development, accountability, and participation of the citizenry. There is a strong interdependence between human rights and development. Development is not just about making roads and generating economic benefits. It should also ensure the protection of civil rights, equal access, transparency, and participatory decision-making by the citizenry.

One of the common concerns raised about Gilgit Baltistan pertains to politics and the constitution. In recent years, the inhabitants have been engaged in heated debates regarding their participation in the political affairs of Pakistan. A vast majority of the populace believes that their participation in decision making continues to be restricted, even though several reforms have taken place in recent years to improve the political processes and institutions in Pakistan. Human rights activists point out that political involvement is an integral part of any developmental effort since people tend to cooperate with government policies if they feel included in the process of policymaking. The youth of Gilgit Baltistan has grown conscious of its expectations from the political setup and the performance of elected officials. For many families in the area, development does not mean just constructing roads and other physical facilities. It means more than that; they feel that they should be consulted and treated with respect in political matters.

Economic development is yet another key dream cherished by the inhabitants of Gilgit Baltistan. The region boasts enormous tourist potential because of its beautiful scenery, glaciers, rivers, and mountain ranges. In addition, the area is very strategically located as a link between South Asia and other neighboring regions. Although it enjoys such potential, some of its communities continue to face difficulties with job creation, industry, and markets. Job opportunities are not available for young graduates who eventually feel frustrated and migrate in search of better prospects. Local businessmen have always demanded changes in investment strategies, infrastructure development, and encouragement of small businesses. Sustainable economic development could lead to a marked improvement in the quality of life and stability of the communities. Nevertheless, development projects become even more efficient if the local population is actively involved in planning and executing them. The locals would wish for such a project to preserve their culture and environment and generate employment at the same time.

Other than matters of politics and economics, there are other aspects related to human rights in Gilgit Baltistan which require attention. There is a dire need of improving the level of education, health, and social services in Gilgit Baltistan. The geographic nature and the hilly topography of Gilgit Baltistan pose significant difficulties when it comes to providing various forms of services to different districts. It is extremely difficult for people residing far away from these districts to get access to medical and higher educational facilities. In addition, women and marginalized groups of society face certain hindrances in achieving success because of the prevailing inequalities. Various civil society organizations and community leaders have urged the need for developing effective policies to eliminate such disparities. Human development indicators hold immense significance for ensuring sustainable development in the region. Providing facilities such as schools, vocational centers, healthcare centers, and internet will not only help improve the life prospects but also promote human development.

Environmental sustainability has become an ever-growing issue as far as future development plans for Gilgit Baltistan are concerned. The region is particularly sensitive to the negative impact of changes in its environment, such as glacier melts, flooding, landslides, and weather. Such threats to the environmental sustainability of Gilgit Baltistan have a direct influence on agriculture, water supplies, infrastructure, and people’s way of life. Citizens are aware of how devastating the consequences of natural disasters can be and have been more willing to discuss the importance of proper planning. Large-scale projects lead to controversy due to their influence on the environment and the management of its resources. Human rights issues and the issue of environmental sustainability are very close since environmental issues may pose serious threats to human lives. Many Gilgit Baltistan citizens are concerned about the need to create a balance between economic success and preserving nature. It is crucial to protect the environment not only for the sake of today’s generation but for future generations as well.

The future of Pakistan Occupied Gilgit Baltistan will largely depend upon the extent to which human rights, development concerns, and aspirations are taken into account in decision-making processes. The residents of the area have always proven themselves to be resilient, adaptive, and highly motivated to improve their surroundings. These aspirations are not limited to economic growth alone; they also encompass dignity, participation, justice, and equality. Sustainable development demands institutions that are attuned to citizen concerns and have the ability to create bonds of trust between citizens and governing authorities. It further demands investment in human interests, in addition to physical infrastructures and economic activities. In light of the emerging discourse on the subject, there should always be a focus on listening to what local communities have to say regarding their own future. Development is most successful where it is people-centric and human rights form the basic premise of all decisions and policies rather than just being a side concern.

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