Tensions escalated in Hunza, Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), as frustrated residents took to the streets in Gulmit on Thursday, decrying prolonged power outages and poor governance. Protesters blocked the strategic Karakoram Highway (KKH), a vital trade route linking Pakistan to China, to demand immediate action from authorities over the power crisis that has left the district in darkness for days.
The demonstration, which saw people from various backgrounds joining hands, highlighted widespread anger against the occupying administration. Protesters accused officials of deliberately depriving Hunza of its rightful share of electricity, exacerbating hardships for homes, businesses, and essential services. Speaking at the protest, Irfan Azad, President of the Balawaristan National Front for District Gilgit, urged unity between the people of POGB and POJK, calling for collective advocacy to amplify their voices against systemic neglect.
“This is not the first time we’ve protested against load shedding. Every time we take to the streets, we get temporary relief, but the problem always resurfaces,” said a protester. “It’s shameful that in the 21st century, we still fight for basic rights like electricity while facing exorbitant bills for a service we hardly receive.”
Despite Hunza’s significance as a major tourist destination and its strategic location, locals allege it has been routinely ignored in power distribution. The region’s infrastructure remains woefully inadequate to meet rising electricity demand, with little integration into the national grid. Protesters argue that this neglect reflects a broader pattern of marginalization by both federal and regional authorities.
The blockage of the Karakoram Highway disrupted traffic and trade, with vehicles stranded as demonstrators refused to clear the road. Some vehicles were permitted to pass through, but the disruption underscored the urgency of the crisis.