By: Altaf Kumail
Gilgit-Baltistan, a region located in Pakistan, is witnessing severe repercussions due to climate change. The area is facing a multitude of risks, including increased instances of river floods, landslides caused by glacial lakes, unseasonal rains, and snowfalls. Regrettably, the governance system in Gilgit-Baltistan is plagued by weakness, and bureaucratic measures reminiscent of colonial times are being employed to protect the economic interests of powerful elites and influential investors. Consequently, both the inhabitants and biodiversity of the region are confronted with significant threats as investments continue to contribute to the destruction of the local ecology and environment.
The diminishing government structure and feeble governance in Gilgit-Baltistan are resulting in the deterioration of its ecology and environment. This decline is characterized by environmental pollution, socio-economic injustices, and complex political problems. Furthermore, the lack of awareness and consciousness among the general public exacerbates the threats to the region’s natural environment.
Gilgit-Baltistan operates under a colonial-style system of government, where the privileged elite class employs various tactics, including bureaucracy and non-governmental organizations, to exploit and plunder the region’s natural resources. An example of this can be seen in the proposed GB Land Reforms Bill, which aims to exploit the natural resources of the area most affected by climate change. Such practices endanger both the people and biodiversity residing in this region.
The members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly and the government find themselves at the mercy of the devolved bureaucracy and the privileged class associated with the ruling federal political parties. This colonial-style governance exemplifies the environmental, political, social, and economic challenges faced by Gilgit-Baltistan. Over the past seventy-five years, the ruling elite of Pakistan has undermined the democratic political rights of the people. Rather than prioritizing the protection of economic interests in the face of escalating climate change, the government focuses on personal and short-term interests, lacks administrative capacity, and fails to adopt a holistic national perspective. These factors further contribute to the worsening environmental, political, social, and economic conditions of Gilgit-Baltistan.
A review of Pakistan’s climate change policies reveals that the country is a signatory to numerous international agreements. These agreements propose several measures at the global level to safeguard the natural environment and mitigate threats posed by climate change, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. Pakistan bears national responsibilities, including the development and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), as part of its commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Acknowledging Pakistan’s status as one of the most disaster-prone countries in South Asia, the country recognized the need to address the situation caused by natural disasters and protect the most vulnerable groups by signing The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). This framework encompasses the rehabilitation of individuals adversely affected by disasters and the prevention of climate change drivers.
However, despite the grave environmental problems faced by Gilgit-Baltistan, both the central and regional governments seem compelled to support anti-environmental activities in the region. It is imperative for environmental organizations and the Gilgit-Baltistan government to clarify their objectives and actions taken to mitigate climate change. A thorough understanding is required as to why mineral mining and investments in the region most affected by climate change take precedence over environmentally friendly initiatives. Additionally, there is a need to identify laws promoting sustainable tourism that impede the enforcement of existing environmental protection laws. Steps must be taken to prevent glacier melting due to environmental pollution caused by mountaineering and conservation activities. Efforts should also be made to reduce pollution caused by transportation within the tourism industry.
ABOUT WRITER
Altaf Kumail is an MPhil Scholar at the University of Punjab, as well as a social activist in GB. With a passion for creating positive change, He actively works towards addressing social issues and advocating for marginalized communities. Additionally, he is a respected columnist, using his platform to raise awareness and engage in thought-provoking discussions.
Kumail’s dedication to education, activism, and writing makes him a valuable contributor to society.
Email address: altafkumail906@gmail.com
