Hunza sit-in ends as govt greenlights thermal power for G-B

GILGIT: Six-day long sit-in protest in Aliabad, Hunza, against 22-hour-long power outages ended on Wednesday evening as the federal government approved the provision of electricity to Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) through thermal power plants.

According to a statement issued by a spokesperson for G-B Chief Minister (CM) Faizullah Faraq, the decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah.

G-B CM Haji Gulbar Khan, Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, Member of Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Amjad Hussain Advocate, Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza, and former chief minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman attended the meeting held in Islamabad.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the severe power shortages in the region that exacerbate during the winters when water flow decreases, impacting hydropower generation. He urged the federal government to approve grants for operating diesel generators as a temporary solution to the crisis.

The meeting agreed to supply electricity for 5-6 hours daily during January and February through diesel generators to most affected districts, including Hunza. Gulbar Khan said that transparency and effective monitoring in the provision of thermal power would be ensured through public and community participation.

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Meanwhile, the ongoing protests in Aliabad came to an end as their basic demand of running thermal generators was met. Speaking to HUM News English, Advocate Zahoor Elahi, a member of the core committee of the protest, confirmed the conclusion, stating, “The protest ended after successful negotiations during the fifth round.”

Earlier in the day, more people, including women and children from various areas of Hunza and other districts, joined the sit-in despite freezing temperatures.

The sit-in caused significant disruptions, impacting both locals and travelers. Heavy traffic was brought to a halt, with an alternative route available only for light vehicles.

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