GB cabinet approves land reforms

GILGIT: In a major policy shift, the Gilgit-Baltistan government has approved historic land reforms, addressing a long-standing demand for land ownership rights in the region.

The decision was announced by Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan during a press conference broadcast on national television Sunday.

Shortly after the announcement, the GB government issued an official statement, confirming that the Land Reforms Act had been approved by the cabinet following consultations with key stakeholders.

“Unlike previous governments that relied on rhetoric, this administration is taking decisive action to protect public land rights and resolve historical disputes through legal and institutional reforms,” the statement read.

During a separate press briefing in Gilgit, Eiman Shah, Special Assistant to the CM on Information, stated that the newly approved Land Reforms Bill would be presented to the assembly for approval, calling it a turning point in granting land ownership to the people of GB.

Earlier, in his press conference in Islamabad, CM Gulbar Khan reaffirmed his government’s commitment to public welfare and equitable development. He also highlighted GB’s booming tourism industry, noting that over one million tourists visited the region last year, confirming its position as a premier travel destination.

Additionally, the chief minister urged the federal government to revise the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, emphasizing the need for Gilgit-Baltistan to receive its fair share of national resources.