Protests over blackouts in Hunza strand 600 China-imported goods trucks

HUNZA: Residents of Hunza have intensified their protest against unannounced and prolonged power outages as the sit-in demonstration in Aliabad enters its fifth consecutive day.

Despite freezing temperatures, demonstrators continue to gather throughout the night, voicing their frustration and demands for immediate action.

The sit-in has caused significant disruption, impacting locals and travelers. Heavy traffic has been brought to a halt, while an alternative route remains open only for light vehicles.

The protest has also affected trade, with over 600 trucks carrying goods imported from China via the Khunjerab Pass stranded at the site.

The protest initially had a two-point agenda: running thermal power plants, and speeding up the under-construction plants. However, it has now evolved into a movement with an additional 11-point agenda.

People from all walks of life, including women and children, are joining the sit-in daily.

The protesters are calling for Hunza to be granted two seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly to ensure adequate representation. The district has also demanded a 35% share of the revenue generated from border trade with China. Protesters insist that Gilgit-Baltistan should be declared a tax-free zone to foster economic growth.

They also demand the immediate election of local governments to enhance the management and conservation of Hunza’s fragile environment and natural resources.

The residents of this scenic area have also raised concerns about the district being deprived of equal employment opportunities compared to other areas, insisting that Hunza should receive its fair share of government posts and resources.

Other demands include the establishment of a local power plant to reduce reliance on electricity from other districts; creation of government posts and infrastructure development; and relocation lower-grade government employees from outside the district to their home regions and ensuring that local officers are appointed to key administrative positions in Hunza.

The protesters have vowed to continue the sit-in for a month if their demands are not met. They have urged the government to address their grievances without delay, warning that failure to act will only exacerbate public frustration.

PPP leader Advocate Zahoor Elahi, in a conversation with HUM News English, lamented that Hunza, despite being the gateway to CPEC, has been neglected for decades.

He argued that the district has been neglected for years despite its strategic importance and contributions to national trade and tourism.

He alleged that government officials, including the chief minister and the chief secretary, are enjoying a luxurious lifestyle and benefiting from air-conditioned comfort. “They are in Islamabad with their families, enjoying air-conditioned rooms, while the people are out on the roads demanding basic rights.”

Elahi further stated that a couple of rounds of negotiations were held with the administration, but to no avail due to their non-seriousness.

Business leader Javed Hussain from Nagar also expressed his support for the ongoing protest in Hunza.

He emphasized that Hunza is the gateway to CPEC, and Gilgit-Baltistan has signed transit trade agreements with six countries.

He highlighted that hundreds of trade consignments are currently stuck due to the protest, but the government remains indifferent to resolving the issue.

Hussain criticized the authorities, lamenting that they do not even have Rs20 million to operate the thermal power plant.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Eman Shah claimed that “most of their demands have been addressed, with only one demand — electricity — remaining unresolved.”

He explained, “Power outages are not limited to Hunza; they affect the entire region. This is an issue that cannot be resolved by reallocating power from other areas. Power projects take time to complete.”

Shah also criticized the previous PTI government for failing to install a single power project during their 3.5-year tenure. “On what grounds are they now demanding that the issue be resolved overnight?” he wondered.

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