Winter protest

Sajjad Ahmad

Article Type

Article

Description

The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region has witnessed weeks of winter protests triggered by public grievances over unmet demands, poor infrastructure, lack of basic services, and unfulfilled promises made under earlier agreements. Tensions escalated when protestors stormed the offices of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) over issues surrounding the Diamer-Bhasha Dam construction, including displacement, compensation delays, and exclusion from benefits. The protests are not isolated but part of a broader discontent rooted in governance challenges and lack of representation. The region’s residents are demanding healthcare, education, land rights, utility services, and political inclusion—specifically seeking a Kashmir-like autonomous status. The situation underscores longstanding tensions between the center and the periphery, exacerbated by development-led displacement and a history of political neglect.

Publication Source

DAWN

Publication Date

3-22-2025

Pages

7

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