Opinion | The Miseries Faced by the People of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir

“The miseries faced by the people of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir are a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles and injustices”

The occupied territories of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), has long been plagued with numerous miseries and hardships faced by its residents. From acute shortage of essential commodities to frequent power outages, the people of these occupied have been subjected to exploitation and discrimination. The people of Gilgit Baltistan have long been treated as second-class citizens by the Pakistani government. The people have faced acute shortages of rations and essential commodities, leading to widespread protests. Despite Islamabad’s attempts to maintain a facade of normalcy, amateur videos of these protests have gone viral on social media, exposing the harsh realities faced by the people. These videos have not only depicted the usual anti-government sentiments but have also highlighted slogans denouncing the army of occupation. The residents of Gilgit Baltistan have also raised their voices against the illegal land occupation by the Pakistan army fighting to protect their homes and land from demolitions. The arbitrary actions of the Pakistani army, coupled with the denial of fundamental rights and lack of a credible system for addressing grievances, have led the locals to believe that Pakistan treats Gilgit Baltistan as a colony.
In their desperation for relief, the residents have even expressed their desire to join India and have called for the opening of traditional trading routes to the Kashmir Valley. The issue of human rights abuses in Gilgit Baltistan and PoK is deeply intertwined with the contested territorial status of the region. Pakistan have been accused of committing severe human rights violations against the residents of these territories. In POK allegations range like civilians killings and forced disappearances to torture, rape, and suppression of freedom of speech. The people have been subjected to organized breaches of fundamental human rights. The introduction of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Defamation Act 2021 further restricts freedom of expression and the right to know. This draconian law seeks to criminalize criticism of the government and its policies, effectively muzzling dissenting voices. The Pakistani government’s apathy towards the people of Gilgit Baltistan is evident in its withdrawal of electricity subsidies and the imposition of exorbitant power tariffs, exacerbating the hardships faced by the impoverished population. One of the major grievances of the people of Gilgit Baltistan is the exploitation of their region’s resources by Pakistan. The ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which passes through Gilgit Baltistan, has further exacerbated their woes. While extraordinary security considerations have caused immense hardships for the locals, the benefits in terms of improved quality of life and employment opportunities have been minimal. Instead, CPEC has contributed to environmental hazards in the region, leading to floods and destruction.
The people of Gilgit Baltistan have been critical of the lack of compensation for the resources extracted from their region. Islamabad’s purchase of power from the Mangla Dam at significantly low rates and then charging the residents more than ten times this cost only highlights the exploitative nature of the relationship. This economic exploitation, coupled with the denial of basic rights and the imposition of draconian laws, has fueled the frustrations and discontent among the people. Despite the ongoing miseries faced by the people of Gilgit Baltistan and PoK, the international community has largely remained silent on the issue. The plight of these marginalized communities has not received the attention and support it deserves. The lack of international intervention has perpetuated the cycle of exploitation and discrimination, leaving the residents to bear the brunt of the hardships alone.
To address the miseries faced by the people of Gilgit Baltistan and PoK, it is important for the international community to take notice and exert pressure on the government Pakistan. Human rights organizations must advocate for the protection of fundamental rights and the establishment of fair and transparent system for addressing grievances of the people of POK & GB. Additionally, initiatives should be undertaken to promote economic development and uplift the marginalized communities, ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes. The miseries faced by the people of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir are a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles and injustices. From the acute shortage of essential commodities to the denial of fundamental rights, the residents have been subjected to exploitation and discrimination. It is imperative for the international community to actively engage in addressing these issues and advocating for the rights and well-being of the marginalized communities. The time has come to put an end to the misrule and ensure a better future for the people of Gilgit Baltistan and PoK.
Author can be reached on : aatiflonekashmir@gmailcom