Traders and locals in Pak-occupied-Gilgit Baltistan are expressing their outrage over the relentless power outages and Pak occupied-authority’s inaction that are crippling their livelihoods. The ongoing electricity shortages, marked by daily loadshedding that strikes early and often, have left the community in despair. As the local authorities fail to address the dire situation—highlighted by the absence of a chief engineer in the electricity department—frustration has boiled over into protests.
The people of PoGB have taken to storming grid stations in an attempt to confront the escalating power crisis, revealing the depth of their desperation. Traders in Gilgit are increasingly vocal against the Pak Army backed-occupied-authority’s chronic incompetence.
Moreover, a separate protest led by members of the Tahafuz Wheat Movement outside the Gilgit Press Club has brought to light another pressing issue: significant cuts to the wheat quota and the distribution of substandard flour. Demonstrators, representing a cross-section of the community, demanded immediate government intervention to improve flour quality and accessibility. Protesters highlighted a shocking disparity: “In jails across Pakistan, inmates receive 12 kg of flour per month, while we are provided with less than that.”
The sourcing practices have also come under fire, as the authorities are purchasing inferior-quality wheat from Ukraine at inflated prices, leaving the community dependent on foreign supplies rather than supporting local farmers. “Eighty percent of our wheat is imported, while local agriculture is neglected,” said one protester.
The wheat crisis in PoGB is emblematic of the broader neglect by the Paki establishment. The region is facing severe shortages and skyrocketing prices for this staple food, leading to increasing food insecurity among residents. Compounded by oppressive policies and lack of basic infrastructure, the community is demanding a responsible and effective response. These protests in PoGB serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against the Pakistan Army’s exploitation of marginalized regions like occupied-Gilgit-Baltistan.