Federal Encroachment on Gilgit-Baltistan’s Resources Unacceptable: Opposition Leader Kazim Maisam

Shiite News: Leader of the Opposition in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly and Parliamentary Leader of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, Kazim Maisam, held an emergency press conference at Skardu Press Club, where he strongly criticized the federal government’s policies.
He stated that while the entire country is celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan remain victims of government oppression and injustice. He accused the federal government of attempting to seize GB’s national assets and natural resources, vowing that such efforts would never be allowed to succeed.
Kazim Maisam highlighted that the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan contain more than fifty types of precious stones and minerals, and decisions regarding them must rest solely with the local people and the GB Assembly.
He further alleged that instead of sharing the people’s hardships, federal ministers and senators are visiting the region only to pave the way for handing over natural resources to foreign powers — a move he declared “totally unacceptable.” “We will never allow our resources to be given to America or anyone else,” he asserted.
Criticizing the government’s response to flood damages, he said victims in some regions are receiving compensation of PKR 1 million for destroyed houses, while in Baltistan only PKR 300,000 is being provided — a deeply discriminatory policy.
Referring to the ongoing protest in Sust, Maisam noted that the sit-in has now entered its 50th day without any progress on the demands.
He stressed that under the Constitution of Pakistan, the people of GB are exempted from income and other federal taxes, yet traders are still being forced to pay them, which he called unconstitutional.
He demanded the government immediately resolve the issues of the sit-in, ensure equal treatment for flood victims, and safeguard the natural resources of Gilgit-Baltistan.
MWM leader Allama Sheikh Ahmed Noori and other party representatives were also present at the press conference.