Karachi (Didar Ali): The National Students Federation Gilgit-Baltistan (NSF G-B) and the National Workers Front Gilgit-Baltistan (NWF G-B) jointly organized an insightful two hours zoom conference on Sunday on the topic “Capitalism, Ecology, And Political Marginality. Where Does the Left Stand?”
The conference was addressed by Zaghum Abbas, a young academic and political activist from G-B, and Mehtab Kamal, a climate change activist. More than 60 people across different fields of life, political and civil society organizations participated in the conference.
Moderated by Comrade Ehtisham Khan, member NWF G-B (NWF G-B), the conference started with a warm welcome to the participants, introducing the distinguished speakers.
Mehtab shared firsthand observations from COP28 which he had recently attended in Dubai as a youth delegate from Pakistan.
While sharing COP28 insights he highlighted three notable gaps. Firstly, a disparity between global climate change acknowledgment at global level and its practical application at community level. Secondly, a disconnect between Pakistan’s officials representing at COP and federal government, causing communication breakdowns. Lastly, a concern about representation, questioning the expertise of a state officials in climate matters, raising doubts about the selection process and hinting at potential elitism.
Comrade Zaghum Abbas initiated the discussion by attributing the ecological crisis to the detrimental effects of capitalism. He emphasized how the corporate sector, driven solely by profit, relentlessly exploits nature, leading to a severe climate crisis. Zaghum underscored the invasive nature of monetary organizations such as the World Bank and IMF in restructuring economies post-1990s under the guise of structural reformation.
Talking about different left-wing ideologies, he said a faction emphasize the overproduction inherent in the current system, resulting in substantial carbon emissions, while others advocate for degrowth communism. Zaghum referenced book of Japanese philosopher Kohei Saito, “Marx in Anthropocene” which argues for degrowth as a solution to the pressing global issue.
Proposing leftist strategies to combat the ecological crisis, Zaghum advocated for a radical overhaul of the production system. He identified major contributors to carbon emissions—namely, the cement, energy, and transport industries, accounting for approximately 80% of global emissions. Furthermore, he critiqued developed nations for exploiting indigenous communities worldwide, including Gilgit-Baltistan, under the guise of conservation and development.
Zaghum Abbas concluded by emphasizing that the ecological crisis stems from capitalism and stressed its political nature, advocating for its resolution through political struggle. He urged the continuation of the struggle in Gilgit Baltistan for an autonomous legislative government, political sovereignty, and authority, highlighting the need for government policies addressing environmental concerns.
Among the audience, Comrade Safiullah Baig, a development expert from Gilgit-Baltistan, expressed the necessity to dispel the misconception that Pakistan has a minimal role in global carbon emissions. He attributed the driving forces behind global warming to capitalism, militarization, and imperialism.
Baig highlighted the significant carbon emissions resulting from both India and Pakistan deploying their armies in mountainous regions and glaciers, making them the primary contributors to carbon emissions in the area. In conclusion, he urged the youth and residents of Gilgit Baltistan to initiate radical discussions about the region’s ecology, recognizing its degradation due to the actions of the ruling elites.
Towards the conclusion, Comrade Ehtisham presented the collective viewpoint of NSF G-B and NWF G-B. He highlighted the destructive actions of the capitalist elite, exploiting nature for profit, leading to an ecological crisis manifested in global warming, floods, wildfires, and droughts. While this destruction is orchestrated by a mere 1% elite class, its impacts disproportionately affect the 99% impoverished population, who bear the brunt of climate change’s severe consequences.
Ehtisham reiterated his organization’s stance, advocating for the establishment of an autonomous legislative assembly in Gilgit Baltistan responsible for formulating region-specific ecological policies. He highlighted the adverse effects of unplanned construction and massive projects like the Diamer-Basha Dam on Gilgit-Baltistan’s ecology. Until Gilgit-Baltistan attains its autonomous legislative body, it remains unable to enact policies crucial for preserving the region’s ecological balance.
The webinar served as a valuable platform for participants to engage in a meaningful discussion on ecology, capitalism, and political marginality.
About NSF G-B and NWF G-B
The National Students Federation Gilgit-Baltistan (NSF G-B) and the National Workers Front Gilgit-Baltistan (NWF G-B) are left-wing political organizations of students and working class of G-B. They are dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of students and workers in the region. Their efforts focus on raising awareness, fostering political consciousness, and mobilizing collective action for positive change in Gilgit-Baltistan.
