RECENTLY, the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly passed the Land Reforms Act, 2025. During the session, government and opposition members engaged in a heated exchange of words, which escalated almost into a physical altercation. In the end, the bill was passed with a majority of votes, while the opposition abstained.

The members of the ruling party claimed that the legislation was aimed at abolishing the controversial law, known as ‘Khalisa Sarkar’, and to grant land rights to local communities. In contrast, the opposition alleged that the legislation would enable the exploitation of the region’s land and natural resources by the state.

There are several reasons why the local people fear possible exploitation. One of the primary causes, in my opinion, is the sheer disconnect between the general public and legislative proceedings. This gap fosters uncertainty within society regarding any new policy or legislation, which in turn amplifies anti-government sentiments among the locals.

In GB, the local government does not have effective platforms to reach a wide audience, particularly because mainstream media outlets show little interest in issues related to the region.

This blanket absence of public discourse and media coverage breeds misinformation, encourages opposition, and ultimately strengthens tricky narratives. To address the issue, the federal government must facilitate access to national media platforms for the GB government, allowing it to communicate with a broader audience. Likewise, media houses should allocate some time to matters related to GB.

Finally, since there are widespread public concerns about land reforms and the region’s mineral extraction policy, it is the state’s responsibility to engage with local communities. The state must first build consensus, gain public’s trust, and address the local demands. Ignoring this critical element may result in resistance to resource extraction efforts.

Karamat Hussain Jahangiri
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2025