Residents of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan took to the streets to protest against power cuts
People in Gilgit Baltistan, which is held by Pakistan, demonstrated in the streets over the continuous power outages that have left the area without energy for days.
According to the Markhor Times, numerous ladies blocked the Ghazar Highway to stop traffic as a means to express their annoyance over the ongoing power outages.
Strong chants criticizing the local Electricity Department for allegedly ignoring the area’s electricity demands were chanted by the demonstrators. According to Markhor Times, protesters voiced their ire at the disturbance of everyday life and emphasized the serious effects of the power outages on both residential and commercial operations.
“Gilgit has not received electricity for the past five days,” one resident said, expressing his sorrow at the circumstance. Our residents are competent and well-educated. We are kept in the dark while they give special lines priority when it comes to energy. This is precisely what Karachi’s load-shedding issues are causing. This carelessness has to end since we have a right to power.”
Residents in the area are furious about the prolonged power outage and have accused the Electricity Department of bad management and favoritism. Local authorities have joined the demonstrations and demanded that the power supply problems that have been afflicting the area for weeks be resolved immediately.
The demonstrators promised to keep up their protests until the issue is resolved by the government and the appropriate authorities. Many are concerned that if prompt action is not taken, the ongoing power outages might escalate and cause further instability in the area.
According to a recent Skardu TV article, PoGB is experiencing a serious energy deficit, with people only getting two to three hours of power each day. Many are compelled to burn hazardous items in order to remain warm because of this and the exorbitant expense of LPG gas hookups. As a result, the area is now severely polluted.
