PoGB: Women stage sit-in on Karakoram Highway over prolonged electricity issues

ANI April 10, 2025 139 views

Women in Sultanabad, PoGB, have taken a powerful stand by blocking the Karakoram Highway to protest prolonged electricity issues. Their sit-in highlights the critical infrastructure challenges facing remote communities in the region. The protesters demand immediate action from contractors and government officials to complete power line work. This demonstration represents a broader call for accountability and improved living conditions in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan.

"Both government and contractors must fulfill their commitments" - Unnamed Protester
Gilgit, April 10: A group of women staged a sit-in on the Karakoram Highway in the Sultanabad village of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan(PoGB), voicing their frustration over the prolonged electricity issues affecting the residents of the area, as reported by Pamir Times.

Key Points

1

Women stage strategic highway protest demanding power infrastructure resolution

2

Sultanabad residents facing two-year electricity deprivation

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Contractor paid in full but power poles remain unfinished

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Community demands immediate accountability for infrastructure neglect

The protest held against the Water and Power Department's secretary underscored the growing anger surrounding the power supply failures in the region. The protesters vowed to continue their sit-in until their demands were met.

For the past two years, residents of Sultanabad have been without reliable electricity despite having a transformer installed. The issue lies in the contractor's failure to complete vital work on two crucial power poles, which has left the area without power for an extended period, Pamir Times reported.

The protesters demanded immediate action to complete the power line work and hold the contractor accountable for the delays. According to protesters, the contractor has received full payment for his work, yet the work remains incomplete, and the residents are still living without electricity. The lack of power has made daily life increasingly difficult, with residents unable to charge their mobile phones or use other essential electrical services.

One of the protesters, who has been without electricity for more than two years, expressed frustration over the prolonged wait. He emphasized that both the government and contractors need to fulfill their commitments, highlighting the urgent need for power and basic services. He also called for accountability for the ongoing neglect faced by the community, Pamir Times reported.

The women's protest is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles in remote areas where infrastructure projects often face long delays and mismanagement.

The people of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) have regularly staged protests to raise awareness about social, economic, and political issues. They demand justice, equality, and improved living conditions, urging authorities to address their concerns and provide real solutions for a better future and responsive governance.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
This is so heartbreaking 💔 Basic electricity shouldn't be this hard to provide in 2024. These women are incredibly brave for standing up for their community's rights. The contractor should be held accountable!
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Ali R.
While I support the protesters, I wonder if blocking the highway is the best approach. Maybe working with local officials would be more effective? Still, 2 years without reliable power is unacceptable.
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Fatima N.
Power cuts are one thing, but TWO YEARS without electricity? How are children supposed to study? How do medical facilities function? This is basic infrastructure that affects every aspect of life. The government needs to step in immediately.
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Thomas L.
The contractor getting full payment without completing the work is the real scandal here. This is why we need better oversight on infrastructure projects. Hope the media keeps following this story.
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Meena J.
Women leading the protest gives me hope! 👏 So often it's the women who bear the brunt of infrastructure failures - cooking without power, caring for sick family members without proper lighting. Their voices need to be heard.
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Rahim S.
The article mentions this is part of a pattern of protests in the region. Makes you wonder how many other communities are suffering in silence without media attention. Basic services shouldn't be this hard to deliver.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan Power Crisis Women Protesters Infrastructure Failure Karakoram Highway
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