Shahid Ahmad Hashmat

Pakistan
 

Former Ambassador of Pakistan to Sri Lanka

 

Himalayan mountainous region of Xizang (i.e. Tibet) has been through various phases of its history. In ancient time, it has enjoyed the status of autonomous governance. During last few centuries, it was governed by various Chinese dynasties, of course with greater autonomy, mainly because of its remote and inaccessibility. In 1950, People’s Republic of China started a process of reintegration of Tibet as Autonomous Region.

 

Most Tibetan follow Buddhism as their religion. Tibetan Buddhism has been preserved and practiced for centuries under peculiar social and cultural environment. Most often, one finds a very fine fusion of religion, culture, history and geography. Due to its remoteness and very difficult topography, Tibet could not be integrated into main stream of social, political and cultural development that took place in many other areas and provinces of China. Thus, it could not enjoy the fruits of modern economic development.

 

Since 1980s, Chinese Central Government has made concerted efforts to introduce many cultural and economic reforms in Xizang, in order to ensure better integration with modern People’s Republic. All such measures are aimed at reducing socio-economic disparities by overcome Xizang’s isolation and introducing economic and social reforms, while preserving its very rich cultural heritage. These initiatives will help Xizang to develop its resources and create more tourism opportunities.

 

Dalai Lama is considered the highest religious leader and political figure amongst the Tibetans. He is revered as a reincarnation of Buddha or a Living Buddha. Mostly, he has lived out of Xizang in a state of self-exile. Due to various, geopolitical considerations, many foreign players, such as the United States and India, support his politically oriented activities, in order to compete with China in the region. Dalai Lama and his disciples have criticized China’s economic development projects and social uplift programmes, considering these detrimental to preservation of ancient Tibet culture.

 

Tibet's economy, largely, depends on agriculture and tourism. It is believed that Tibet has very rich natural and mineral resources. However, these resources could not be developed due to poor infrastructure and lack of adequate transport links. China’s Central Government, in collaboration with Government of Tibet Autonomous Region, has launched numerous projects of developing communication infrastructure and increasing livelihood of the local population. A new railway link between Lhasa and other Chinese provinces is expected to enhancement economic development in the area.

 

As regards social and economic development in Tibet, some scholars advocate greater cultural autonomy in preserving traditional Tibetan identity, whereas Chia has adopted a policy of reintegration of Tibet through more assertive and persuasive approach. Among numerous economic development initiatives, ‘Rural Revitalization’ projects carried out by central government to accelerate the socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation have played very important role in improving the livelihood resources of poor Tibetans. These initiatives lead to comprehensive and inclusive development. The most visible effects are improvement in health, education and economy sectors. The progress made is irreversible as it benefits most Tibetans to get out of poverty and deprivation of many centuries.