Gilgit Baltistan’s Hidden Mineral

Gilgit Baltistan’s Hidden Mineral Wealth and the Need for Constitutional Reform

By Mohsin Ali Shigri

Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is home to vast natural resources that could significantly change Pakistan’s economic and industrial future. The mountains of the region are believed to contain valuable minerals such as uranium and lithium resources that are in high demand worldwide. As countries compete to secure and process these critical minerals, Gilgit Baltistan has the potential to emerge as an important mining and industrial hub.

In addition to mineral reserves, the region also holds strategic importance due to the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which connects Pakistan to China, and the Skardu International Airport, which has improved international access. Furthermore, Gilgit-Baltistan has enormous hydropower potential, offering clean and affordable energy that could support mining operations and industrial development.

However, extracting these minerals is not easy. Mining in mountainous terrain requires modern technology, heavy machinery, and large-scale investment. Such projects depend on both domestic and foreign investors. Unfortunately, due to Gilgit-Baltistan’s unresolved constitutional status and governance system, many investors feel uncertain about the legal protections available to them. This lack of clarity discourages long-term investment.

Currently, Gilgit-Baltistan does not have full constitutional recognition within Pakistan. The region operates under the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018, which replaced earlier governance frameworks. Critics argue that the 2018 order reduced some of the rights that were previously granted under the 2009 arrangement. In 2019, the Supreme Court of Pakistan issued a decision regarding governance and reforms in the region, emphasizing the need for a clearer constitutional structure.

Many believe that implementing the 2019 court-approved framework could restore investor confidence and ensure justice for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. A stable and transparent legal system would not only protect investors but also empower local communities and create economic opportunities.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s natural strength is not limited to minerals; it represents a chance for Pakistan to modernize its economy and technology sector. However, without governance reforms, these opportunities may remain untapped.

The decision now lies with the government. It can either reform the outdated administrative system and unlock the region’s full potential or risk losing a historic opportunity. Political leaders and the public must raise their voices to ensure that meaningful reforms are implemented.

Ignoring this issue would not only be unfair to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan but could also harm Pakistan’s long-term economic and technological future.

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