Senior PPP leader Abbas Mosvi in Conversation with Amir Hussain discusses the land issues in Gilgit Baltistan and recent controversy arose after many properties across Gilgit-Baltistan were leased out to a Private Limited Company. BACKGROUNDThe recent transfer of 37 guest houses and properties in Gilgit-Baltistan to a Pvt. Ltd. has generated significant attention on social media.A document circulating online shows that these properties, managed by the Communications & Works Department and Forest Department, have been leased to a private limited company, which was registered in Islamabad on January 26, 2024, under the Companies Act, 2017.Residents of Gilgit-Baltistan have voiced concerns about leasing numerous properties. They highlighted that many of these properties, especially those under the Forest Department, are community-owned and cannot be leased out without engagement of community. During a press conference in Astore, political activist Abbas Mousavi and local Jirga leaders warned against any attempts to claim the Rama property, emphasizing its ownership by the people of Astore Eidgah, Chongrah, and Patipura.Daskhiram Deosai Supreme Council and the elders of the area also warned the provincial government that if any attempt is made to capture other resources including Deosai, they will make Deosai a pasture again and we will also give strict response to protect their resources. In the press conference held at Gilgit Press Club, the council also said that they will not allow the capturing of local resource in the name of tourism. WHICH PROPERTIES OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN ARE LEASED OUT?Communications & Works Department: Guest houses in Phandar, Gupis, Naltar, Karimabad, Hopper, Sumayar, Chillas, Babusar, Rama, Eidgah, Minimerg, Kachura, Shigar, Baltoro Skardu, Hamidgarh, Khaplu, Singul, Passu, Thalichi, and Chilum.Forest Department: Properties including the Wildlife Hut Naltar, Forest Hut Naltar, Dehee Khunjerab, Babusar, Rama, Chilm, Old Forest Building, Kargah, Jutal, Phandar, Gahkuch, Borith Lake, Buner Das, Hoto, Olding, and Sailing.WHAT IS GB GOVERNMENT SAYING?Faizullah Faraq, spokesperson for the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, issued a press release clarifying that 35% of the income generated from this investment will go to the Gilgit-Baltistan government, in addition to a 20% annual rent from the properties. He also mentioned the creation of a Tourism Management Fund, where 20% of the company's total profit will be allocated. This fund will be managed by a Joint Management Board, comprising three representatives each from the government and the institution, to promote tourism in the region.Faraq explained that these arrangements were made under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), involving federal and provincial government officials and the investment board, aimed at bringing prosperity to the area. He assured that the military's role would be limited to providing necessary support to build confidence. He emphasized that the ownership of all guest houses will remain with the Gilgit-Baltistan government.Additionally, it was noted that the KPK caretaker government had previously approved the lease of 17 motels from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation to Green Tourism for 30 years, also under the SIFC's guidance. Netizens of Gilgit-Baltistan took to the internet and press releases have been issued from various people and local institutions to react to the notification issued by Government of Gilgit-Baltistan to lease out the properties.