Earthquake, flood victims protest in Gilgit-Baltistan

Earthquake and flood-affected people continue to raise their voices and escalate their protests against the authorities for not paying attention to disaster-hit families in the region.

Furious over not getting any aid, the agitators have warned of massive protests and escalating their actions on November 25 if the authorities do not look into the situation and pay heed to disaster-hit families.

As per vernacular media reports, the protesters blocked a road to get the attention of the authorities. However, after receiving reassurance from the Assistant Commissioner, the demonstrators consented to disperse, and after six hours, traffic was allowed to resume.

According to the protesters, the government in Gilgit-Baltistan is not fulfilling its promises, due to which 1,155 families are forced to live miserable lives as the disasters have already burdened them economically.

As per media reports, the government had promised PKR 25,000 as house rent, rations, and compensation for destroyed houses and lost livestock, but nothing has been fulfilled.

The 70 thousand residents of Rondo have just one female doctor and one medical office, along with inadequate medical and health facilities. Children are unable to attend school due to improper facilities. The mutual interests of Pakistan and China in Gilgit-Baltistan have resulted in the suppression of the locals and the exploitation of natural resources.

Pakistan is exploiting Gilgit Baltistan in terms of its natural resources without giving any share to the local people. 

According to Al Arabiya Post, the residents' hatred dates back decades to a time when they believed they were mistreated, exploited, and disregarded.

(With inputs from ANI)