2024: a year of mixed fortunes for Gilgit-Baltistan

As 2024 comes to a close, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) stands at a critical juncture, grappling with persistent challenges like prolonged power outages, unemployment, freedom of speech restrictions, and the escalating impact of climate change.

While some strides were made to address long-standing issues, several critical areas remain unresolved, highlighting the complex dynamics of the outgoing year.

Wheat Subsidy

The wheat subsidy remains one of the most critical support systems for GB residents but also one of the most contentious. For much of the first half of 2024, protests and condemnation statements from the public dominated headlines as the government attempted to curtail the subsidy, citing the heavy financial burden it placed on the regional budget.

To address the issue, the government conducted a digital survey and introduced a distribution mechanism ensuring the availability of 6.4 kg of subsidized wheat per person. While this measure brought some relief, the quality of wheat continued to draw criticism. Residents reported that imported Ukrainian wheat often failed to meet consumption standards.

Education and Health

With only two universities—Karakoram International University (KIU) and the University of Baltistan—serving over 20,000 students, higher education in GB faced significant hurdles in 2024. Semester-by-semester fee hikes sparked widespread discontent, making higher education increasingly inaccessible for economically disadvantaged students. In response, the government established a Rs 50 million endowment fund for each university, aiming to subsidize education costs. However, protests over staff shortages in schools and colleges persisted, particularly in Diamer and Baltistan.

The government introduced a tech fellowship program to hire over 1,200 teachers to address staffing shortages, but the program was suspended by the GB chief minister, citing irregularities. The decision remains pending, leaving hundreds of contractual teachers unpaid and their regularization uncertain.

In healthcare, the year exposed significant systemic weaknesses. Over 200 dog bite cases were reported, resulting in 16 fatalities, a first for the region. The government’s failure to ensure adequate medical interventions led to public outrage. Similarly, a dengue outbreak in Diamer resulted in over 600 cases and five deaths. Public hospitals, including the Provincial Headquarters Hospital (PHQ), struggled with shortages of free medicines and basic surgical supplies. Patients often had to purchase essential items, such as gloves, from the market, further highlighting the inadequacies of the healthcare system.

Energy and Environment

Prolonged power outages, exceeding 20 hours daily, were a major source of frustration for residents in 2024. Despite promises of energy reforms, many planned power projects, including those with a combined capacity of over 100 MW, remained largely on paper. Four projects were completed during the year, including the Kargah 6 MW hydropower project, but technical flaws hindered its operation. The project was reportedly completed without a proper feasibility study, resulting in operational constraints that prevent the simultaneous running of two plants in Kargah.

Climate change continued to impact GB severely. Devastating floods in Baltistan and Astore destroyed hundreds of homes, cattle sheds, and livelihoods. The government faced harsh criticism for its inadequate response and lack of compensation mechanisms for affected communities. No major reforestation projects were initiated during the year. Instead, a controversial proposal to fell 700,000 trees over 30 years drew widespread condemnation from environmentalists.

One silver lining was the inauguration of GB’s first Forest & Wildlife Force, which saw 49 individuals trained to specialize in conservation.

However, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) raised concerns over the slow implementation of the GLOF-II project, meant to address glacier outburst floods, citing administrative inefficiencies and underutilized funds as primary obstacles.

Governance and Policy Reforms

The GB government introduced several policies in 2024, including land reforms, a minerals policy, and a youth policy, aiming to streamline governance and foster development. However, these reforms faced strong opposition from local communities and stakeholders, who feared they would lose legal ownership of their lands.

The government also unveiled a 5-year development plan (2024-2029) and an investment plan focusing on sustainable regional growth. However, a decision to lease 45 rest houses and forest sites to the Green Tourism Company for 30 years sparked widespread protests. The government claimed the initiative aimed to enhance revenue generation, but residents criticized it as a move to deprive them of their resources. Despite public agitation, some properties were transferred, while others remain entangled in technical and legal challenges.

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech came under severe pressure in 2024, with the government targeting prominent activists and leaders through restrictive measures. The Home & Prisons Department placed seven individuals, including key members of the Awami Action Committee (AAC), under the Anti-Terrorism Act’s fourth schedule. Additionally, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Circle summoned over 30 activists, accusing them of cyber terrorism for posting anti-state content on social media. Notable arrests included AAC leaders Sher Hawas, Maqbool Hayat, and Muhammad Javed, sparking concerns over increasing censorship.

Year-Round Khunjerab Pass Operations

Amidst the challenges, a significant milestone was achieved with the Khunjerab Pass transitioning to an all-weather trade route. Previously operational only from April to November due to harsh winters, the border is now open year-round, strengthening trade ties between Pakistan and China and boosting economic activity in the region.