May 2, 2022
2 mins read

‘CPEC alienates people in Gilgit Baltistan’

On allegations of rights abuses by the Pakistani government, the activist revealed how Pakistani military and civilian institutions occupy thousands of acres of land in the region….reports Asian Lite News

As China continues to advance its hefty projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, regional experts have contended that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is only advancing Chinese interests in the region and alienated the people of illegal occupied region.

The CPEC has come under the scanner since its inception due to the commercial nature of Chinese loans, which is deemed dangerous. Due to this large scale exploitation of the land and resources of the region, Gilgit-Baltistan continues to witness protests on daily basis over forcibly usurping village lands and plundering their natural wealth.

In an interview with Alternative Voices, activist Senge Hasnan Sering shed light on the exploitative nature of CPEC projects and how these will bring in settlers from Pakistan and change the local religious and ethnic demography in the coming years.

Answering a question on the land rights movement in Gilgit-Baltistan, he said, “Pakistani government spent decades trying to build Kalabagh Dam, but the initiative failed due to opposition from Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) (Xinhua_IANS)

According to Sering, building a dam in a disputed area like Gilgit Baltistan is a violation of international norms, and tampers with the commitment that Pakistan made with the United Nations on occupied Kashmir.

“The nationalists in Gilgit Baltistan ran a campaign against these dams. There have been protests against the construction of big dams on our land. Pakistani forces crushed them with heavy use of force. They fired shots at anti-dam protesters killing and injuring many,” he said.

On allegations of rights abuses by the Pakistani government, the activist revealed how Pakistani military and civilian institutions occupy thousands of acres of land in the region.

He explained how retired Pakistani military officers and outsiders occupy prime land in the heart of Gilgit and Skardo cities.

“More than 80 per cent of land has been leased to Chinese and Pakistani companies for mineral exploitation. Many families lost land during the construction of Gilgit and Skardu airports. The third generation of those families are still waiting for financial compensation,” he added.

On the effects of Chinese projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, Sering argued that there are not any substantial benefits for locals of Gilgit Baltistan from CPEC-related projects.

He further stated that all CPEC related projects advance Chinese interests in the region as all jobs go to Chinese which are threatening the local survival. “It will bring in settlers from Pakistan and change the local religious and ethnic demography in coming years.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: The Unemployment Challenge in China

Previous Story

1% GDP growth predicted for 2022

Next Story

China holds meet with top banks amid US sanction fears

Latest from -Top News

Deadly Fever Grips Senegal

Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment approved for human use against RVF. Senegal is facing a growing public health emergency as the death toll from a Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Protest Crackdown in Abidjan

The protest ban came just a day before the planned march, with the prefect of Abidjan declaring all gatherings illegal to “preserve public order” ahead of the polls. Authorities in Ivory Coast

Seychelles Chooses Herminie

Herminie’s win gives his United Seychelles party full control of government after it reclaimed a parliamentary majority during last month’s general elections. Seychelles’s opposition leader, Patrick Herminie, has emerged victorious in the

Fragile Peace Returns to Gaza

Carrying bags, blankets, and a few salvaged belongings, families walked through the dusty highway under the afternoon sun. Many pushed carts or led donkeys loaded with what was left of their possessions.

Egypt to Host Gaza Peace Talks

Cairo summit aims to end war and open a new chapter for regional stability. The summit will gather leaders and senior officials from more than 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, France,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

PTI to protest till announcement of fresh polls

Khan said that the PTI government had controlled the fuel

Parachinar: Pakistan’s new conflict hotspot

The Shia-Sunni conflict has been festering for decades over land