A comprehensive strike has brought life to a standstill in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strike, characterized by complete business closures and halted transportation, is in protest against the escalated subsidised wheat rate and various other grievances affecting the local population, as reported by Dawn.

Massive protest demonstrations and rallies have paralyzed all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, leading to the suspension of traffic across the region. Widespread closures affected shops, markets, restaurants, and trade centres in areas including Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, Astore, Shighar, Ghanche, Kharmang, Hunza, and Nagar. The strike call was issued by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) in collaboration with associations representing traders, transporters, and hotel owners, as reported by Dawn.

However, in the ongoing protest against the Gilgit-Baltistan government's decision to increase subsidised wheat prices, the next phase has entered its fourth week. Maryam S Khan, a researcher at the Institute of Development and Economic Alternatives (IDEAS), Pakistan, reported on social media that the largest telecom operator in PoK, the Special Communications Organization, has blocked internet services in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Protests intensify over wheat subsidy in Gilgit-Baltistan; SCOM @hq_sco reportedly blocks the internet, as stated by Khan on X. In a video, Senator Farhatullah Babar highlights that Gilgit-Baltistan is the only region in Pakistan where people do not own their lands due to the non-implementation of the 18th Amendment.

The AAC has announced the commencement of marches toward Gilgit and Skardu today, as reported by Dawn. A significant protest occurred at Siddiq Akbar Chowk in Chilas, Diamer's district headquarters, following Friday prayers. Speakers denounced the Gilgit-Baltistan government's decision to raise subsidized wheat prices, labeling it as a failure of the chief minister.

They warned of blocking the Karakoram Highway if their demands were not met, according to Dawn. Additionally, protest rallies and demonstrations took place in various areas, with main gatherings at Garibagh in Gilgit and Yadgar-i-Shuhada in Skardu. Thousands participated in daily, hours-long sit-ins at these locations.

Ehsan Ali, the chief organizer of the AAC, asserted that residents of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) have been denied their basic rights for the past seven decades. He highlighted the current challenges faced by GB residents, including 22 hours of daily electricity outages, despite substantial annual expenditures from public funds.

Amidst the ongoing protests, GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah convened a meeting with President Arif Alvi in Islamabad. The discussion encompassed the overall situation in the region, addressing concerns related to wheat subsidies and other pertinent issues, as reported by Dawn.

Image source: ANI