Deprived of constitutional rights, Gilgit-Baltistan is a region rich in natural resources. Apart from the human and natural resources, this heavenly region is important from the point of view of tourism, while the thousand jewels in the mountains here are the focus of interest of the world powers. Politically and strategically, being the confluence of the major nuclear powers of the world, especially after the CPEC, its value has further increased. There are only fourteen mountains above eight thousand meters in the world, five of them are located in GB. On the land of Gilgit-Baltistan, the princess of high peaks "K-To" which is the second highest peak in the world, Ustada is proud of its greatness. There are 108 peaks above seven thousand meters in the same land, which is unconstitutional but a paradise. Among the 8,000 meters high skyscrapers here are K-2, Nanga Parbat, Ragshabrom One, Ragshabrom Two and Broad Peak. While these towering mountains attract tourists and mountaineers from all over the world through their attractiveness and beauty, the abundant minerals in them are also of interest to investors and researchers from all over the world. In the bosom of these mountains, where more than 60 types of minerals and gems are hidden, there are endless streams of copper, lead, marble, limestone, gold and uranium. But the people of GB above these mountains are deprived of even the basic facilities of life and are forced to live at the lowest level.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, a series of public extraction, cutting and polishing of precious stones in the mountains and selling them abroad has started, which is a mustan initiative. The establishment of local and small industries here can be helpful in solving the economic problems of the region. Although the federal government seems to be putting obstacles in this regard. Nevertheless, some work is being done at the regional level which needs to be appreciated. In GB, steps can be taken for the development of the region by promoting local industries like chhara bafi, chadar bafi, mat-making, pot-making etc. Instead of reaching out to Western NGOs and the federal government, promoting local industries through local resources is very important from an economic and social point of view. In this regard, the Zehar Mehra industry established in Shugar district located at the foothills of K2 is very important.
Like other regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Shagar Valley is a collection of beautiful natural scenery, which is located 23 km north of Skardu. The beautiful and attractive natural scenery of this valley, high mountain peaks, rolling fields, springs and waterfalls have a unique attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. This valley is bordered by Nawam in the east, Nagar Gilgit in the west and Skardu valley in the south. To the north are the world's second highest peak Tu and other mountain peaks and glaciers of Mount Karakoram. Countless climbers have lost their lives trying to climb them. The hospitable, brave and hardy people of the Sugar Valley are engaged in agriculture and cattle rearing. Very few people are employed. These valleys are famous for fruits and vegetables. These include apricots, almonds, apples, pears, grapes, plums, cherries, mulberries, walnuts and other fruits. In the mountains of the valley, the nature's flow and precious treasure are hidden.
Apart from the minerals hidden in the mountains in Sugar, some of the famous minerals are mica (a significant amount of mica is found here which is used for glass making), quicklime which is found in many places in Sugar. There are, which are baked in factories to produce a fine type of lime. Sapphires are also found in the mountains here, these stones fetch great value in the world of gems. Also, thirty miles east of Zahramehra Shugar, after crossing the mountain streams, there is a sharp green mountain, called Puzol in the local language. This green stone is softer than ordinary stones, which can be used to make all kinds of vessels and other decorative objects. It is known about the vessels made of this stone that if food is mixed with poison in them, the food starts boiling by itself and the effects of the poison disappear.
A few years back few sugar people have started working of Zahra Mehra under the name of Baltistan Zahra Mehra, which has huge reserves of sugar. A mini factory has also been built for cutting, polishing of this stone based on its physical and chemical properties. Where large stones of Zehar Mehra are brought and turned into ornaments, utensils and display items. Although their work is small scale, they hope to expand it and gain international recognition. They have decorated a shop in Skardu Mousavi market for display and purchase of their products while Khanqah Mali Shagar in Shagar. This industry also demands sophistication and beauty in work. Zahramehra, which has different properties, is also used to decorate the vessels There are looks. Local and foreign people alike love this stone product. Due to the sophistication and uniqueness of the work, tourists from far and wide visit it. The said sugar industry needs support at the government level. This industry should be expanded and become a means of increasing employment and income of the region. By promoting this and other such industries, the development of the region can be improved. There is a need for the provincial government to encourage such positive work which has a positive impact on the region.
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