Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has announced that the cabinet has approved land reforms for the first time, a long-standing demand of the public.

“The Land Reforms Bill will be passed by the assembly and will take effect as law,” he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday.

Khan added that development projects were underway in Gilgit-Baltistan and the government was taking “practical steps” for the welfare of the people. He added that the law and order situation in the region was “normal” and all stakeholders were being engaged collaboratively.

The GB chief minister mentioned that last year, one million tourists visited the mountainous region, highlighting the region’s significance as a tourist destination. “The amount of work accomplished during the GB alliance government’s tenure has never been seen before.”

Under the land reforms, he said that lands are being transferred to public ownership, “marking a significant step forward.” The Chief Minister also urged the federal government to reconsider the National Finance Commission Award to ensure GB receives its “rightful share.”

Khan reiterated that restoring peace and order was among his government’s priorities and all “necessary measures are being implemented in this regard.”

He reiterated that the government demanded constitutional status for the region and if it was late, then the region should be made part of the NFC Award.

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The GB minister said that a committee has been made at the federal level to resolve issues. “Our demand is that financial agreements as per Azad Jammu and Kashmir should be made and if funds are allocated for GB on NFC formula, the region would get Rs250 billion.”

He expressed hope that over 1.5 million tourists would visit GB and the government has planned to impose a tax per person to generate revenue.

“We have decided that the land down to the channel, the land which is not populated, would be people’s property,” he said and clarified that the government has not allocated land to people in Skardu and Gilgit. It would be equally allocated to the locals, the CM added.