Hunza Valley, Pakistan – The residents of Hunza Valley have been protesting for the past three days, expressing their frustration over ongoing power outages and their long-standing demand for basic rights. The protest, which has gathered significant attention, is being led by local leaders, including the President of the Ganish Supreme Council, Professor (Retd) Mujeeb-ud-Din, who addressed the crowd at the Aliabad College Chowk.
The protesters are voicing concerns over the inadequate provision of essential services in the region, particularly the frequent electricity outages that have disrupted daily life. According to the protesters, the government of Pakistan, as well as the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) administration, have failed to address the basic needs of the citizens of the region for the past 77 years.
Speaking on the matter, Professor Mujeeb-ud-Din highlighted that the region lies in a tax-free zone under the United Nations’ classification of disputed territories. Despite this, the government has failed to provide the promised subsidies to the people of GB. He pointed out that the Sost port, located in Gilgit-Baltistan, generates a significant annual revenue of 10 billion rupees, but the funds are not being reinvested into the development of the region. Instead, all the money generated is sent to the Federal government, with no visible impact on the local population.
The protest has drawn comparisons to historical struggles, with the people of GB feeling neglected and sidelined, and their demands for electricity and better governance echoing louder with each passing day. The protestors are calling for a reevaluation of how the region is governed and are urging the authorities to ensure that the rights of the people of GB are respected.
As the protest continues, the people of Hunza Valley are steadfast in their determination to fight for the services and rights they believe they deserve. The unrest has sparked discussions on the need for a more inclusive policy that acknowledges the specific needs of Gilgit-Baltistan’s citizens.