Gilgit-Baltistan Protests: Power Crisis, frequent load shedding continues

According to local media, the Gilgit Baltistan Youth Committee planned a demonstration in the unlawfully controlled Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK’s Gilgit Baltistan) against computerised power bills and load shedding in the province.

The protest was organised by the Gilgit Baltistan Youth Committee on December 31 and January 1, since inhabitants in the unlawfully occupied area of Gilgit-Baltistan have been experiencing a major power shortage with up to 21 hours of power outages, causing hardships for all companies and institutes.

GB inhabitants are subjected to an average of 10 hours of load shedding each day on typical days. Despite the cold, hundreds of angry citizens flocked to the streets to protest the establishment and chanted anti-Pakistan chants.

Despite the New Year and holiday season, people closed the stores and markets.

The people are particularly incensed by Islamabad’s meddling in Gilgit Baltistan affairs (GB). Other important topics of protest for people included load-shedding, power outages, inflation, and wheat scarcity.

Notably, there are three powerhouses in this region, but locals continue to suffer. The intervention of Islamabad in GB’s internal affairs has fueled the local populace’s rage.