Protests Erupt Over Governance Failures in Gilgit-Baltistan

Residents of Gilgit-Baltistan, frustrated over persistent governance failures, took to the streets demanding better access to water and electricity, highlighting widespread resentment over infrastructural shortcomings. In parallel protests, students aired grievances over education disruptions, emphasizing deep-rooted administrative inefficiencies in the region.

Public discontent in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) reached a boiling point as women and students staged protests over what they described as chronic governance failures. The unrest, triggered by electricity load-shedding and an acute drinking water crisis in the Jutial area, saw protesters block key roads in Gilgit for several hours.

Demonstrators, largely women, accused local authorities of neglecting basic civic duties, including ensuring essential water and electricity supplies. According to reports from Dawn, some neighborhoods endured nearly two weeks without a consistent water supply, while Upper Jutial faced a complete halt of service for days.

Electricity shortages have intensified the situation, with load-shedding lasting up to 22 hours daily, complicating efforts to pump water into homes. Amid the protests, students from Pakistan Baitul Mal Sweet Home also voiced frustrations, claiming educational disruptions due to unpaid school fees had left them in limbo.

(With inputs from agencies.)