Residents of PoGB suffer from Pakistan's exploitation and neglect – ThePrint

Gilgit (PoGB), October 27 (ANI): Karakoram National Movement President Mumtaz Hussain Nagri has spoken out about the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). Highlighting a serious electricity crisis in the region, he noted that residents receive only two hours of power supply in a 24-hour period.

Nagri also expressed concern over the lack of subsidies in the area, comparing the situation to India. “India provides subsidies for 52 essential items, but Pakistan offers no support to the people here. If we raise our voice, we will be labeled as anti-nationalists,” he noted.

Nagri criticized the misuse of Section 124A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), the sedition law, pointing out that political activists have faced jail terms of eight to 10 years without trial under this oppressive legislation. He called for its withdrawal.

Expressing gratitude to United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) Chairman Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Nagri praised Kashmiri for drawing attention to Pakistan’s repressive measures at the United Nations. Kashmiri have previously supported tribal communities that have faced violence at the hands of Pakistani forces.

Nagri also addressed local opposition to the Land Reform Act, which aims to create four new districts in the PoGB, and criticized the Pakistani government for ignoring residents’ wishes.

The ongoing problems in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) underline broader concerns regarding infrastructure and basic services, and reflect long-standing problems in the region since Pakistan’s controversial occupation.

Moreover, he spoke out against the controversial Green Tourism Act, which involves the leasing of 37 rest homes and forest areas to the newly formed company Green Tourism Pvt Ltd. Nagri claimed that local residents opposed this law, believing it undermined their autonomy.

He accused the Pakistani regime of exploiting the PoGB population by opening businesses that primarily benefit outsiders while neglecting the needs of the local community. Residents had initially hoped that tourism would empower them, but instead it has grown into a profitable venture for outside stakeholders.

The ongoing problems faced by residents, including frequent power outages, inadequate educational facilities and high unemployment rates, are contributing to a growing sense of frustration and dissatisfaction among locals. (ANI)

This report is automatically generated by the ANI news service. ThePrint is not responsible for its content.