Pakistan is exploiting rare earth minerals in Gilgit-Baltistan, showing interest in this.

News Topical, Digital Desk : A report states that the political situation in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) is deteriorating. In addition to China, Pakistan is now seeking participation from American and Central Asian companies in the region's illegally occupied resources.

Kazakhstan and Indonesia have recently expressed interest in investing in gold and copper mining in Gilgit-Baltistan. Senge Tsering, a resident of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, wrote in Washington's Global Strat View, "Apart from terrorism, many local activists believe that a major cause of instability in Gilgit-Baltistan is its strategic location and the presence of rare earths."

'Pakistan refuses to pay royalty'

It further read, "The Pakistani Army wants to exploit resources without sharing revenue or compensation with the local people. Pakistan has implemented an illegal and unconstitutional Land Reform Act in Gilgit Baltistan, which continues to misuse natural resources. When local people demand their rightful share, Pakistan refuses to pay royalties, citing political difficulties as the land remains part of disputed Jammu and Kashmir and therefore does not deserve constitutional and economic rights."

Supply is done in only a few countries

Sering, head of the Washington-based Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies (IGBS), said that rare earth elements are processed and supplied in only a few countries, so Gilgit Baltistan's geographical location complements the larger global economy's efforts to diversify the rare earth supply chain.

He said Tangir and the surrounding valleys of Gilgit Baltistan are globally known mineral hotspots, rich in monazite, chevkinite, lanthanum, samarium, praseodymium, neodymium, cerium, titanium, thorium and other rare earth elements, and China's infrastructure upgrade efforts are helping Pakistan transform the occupied region into a rare-earth hub at the crossroads of Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

'India will help'

He said, "In such a situation, the people of Gilgit Baltistan must remain united and continue their efforts to oust the occupying Pakistani colonial masters, who are only interested in exploiting and misusing the natural resources and access routes, while denying the people their rightful political and constitutional rights. This determination and courage will ultimately help the people of Gilgit Baltistan to join Ladakh as constitutional citizens of India and protect both their territory and identity."

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