Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister, Haji Gulbar Khan has said that the Gilgit-Baltistan is rich in natural resources, with most of its area covered in forests, which supports a wide range of wildlife. Due to the efforts of the Khunjerab Villagers Organization and the Ghulkin Conservation Committee, the Khunjerab National Park has been successful, he said.
These views were expressed by him while addressing a ceremony organized by the Department of Forests, Wildlife, and Environment to distribute 75 percent community shares of the Khunjerab National Park entry fee here on Thursday.
CM Haji Gulbar Khan emphasized the need to replicate this success in other national parks and encouraged communities to learn from the experiences of the Khunjerab Villagers Organization. He also highlighted the importance of conservation efforts in other districts, such as Darel, Tangir, and Astor, where there are vast opportunities for conservation and community benefit.
He directed the Provincial Minister for Forests, Haji Shah Beg and the Secretary Forests to visit Darel, Tangir, and Astore to raise awareness among the public about conservation and its benefits, and to activate conservation committees.
The chief minister said some individuals were trying to create a negative impression about the establishment of national parks, which was not based on facts. The establishment of national parks was in the wider interest of the region, and the relevant communities can benefit greatly from them, as evident from the success of Khunjerab National Park, he maintained.
