Opinion | Gilgit-Baltistan Crying in Ramadhan as Inflation in Electricity Due to Pak Puppet Govt’s Apathy

A region brimming with resources facing crises like electricity outages and rising inflation is not just a failure but a sign of apathy and neglect. It reflects not mismanagement alone, but a deeper pattern of disregard towards the people mere for raising voice against injustice, control and for basic rights.

Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims globally. The holy month of Ramadan is meant to be a time of peace, patience and spiritual strength. It is a month when families wake up before dawn for sehri, gather in the evening for iftar, and spend more time in prayer and spiritual reflection. In these months basic amenities like electricity become very important as cooking, having meals or waking mainly occurs during night time, Governments across the globe make sure to provide best to its Muslim population for ease be it assessing inflation of daily commodities or ensuring food, water and energy reach every Muslim home. But there is also a government that does not care about such things and the irony is it is a Muslim nation and yes, I am taking about my neighbour Pakistan brutally honest Pakistan has failed to govern its legal provinces be it KP or Baluchistan every day we here reports of human rights violations in these region , how can it govern territory that it illegally occupies , like PoJK and PoGB. Pakistan has been controlling these territories that actually belong to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, for 7 decades now but has seen no growth and development instead what people of PoJK/GB have seen is abuse, isolation, torture and all sorts of human rights violations. As Ramadan came to an end recently reports and news from sources suggested continuous outrage by the residents against the government for regular power cuts and rising inflation in electricity. A month that brings compassion, comfort and ease for Muslims and people in general has brought more struggle than comfort to people of PoGB. Instead of focusing on faith, many families worried about rising electricity bills, frequent power cuts and the increasing cost of daily life.

Electricity is not a luxury during Ramadan. It is a basic need. From preparing food before sunrise to breaking the fast after sunset, electricity plays a key role in daily routines. In the cold climate of Gilgit-Baltistan, it is also needed for heating and lighting. Yet, people were facing long hours of load shedding along with higher bills. This combination of poor supply and rising cost made life difficult, especially during a month that should bring ease. One of the biggest concerns among locals is that Gilgit-Baltistan has huge potential for hydropower, yet it continues to face electricity shortages. The region has rivers and natural resources that could generate enough energy for its own needs. However, due to poor planning, lack of proper infrastructure, negligence, apathy and delayed projects, this potential has not been fully used. As a result, people were forced to depend on limited, costly and unreliable electricity. Pakistan is also reeling with deep economic crisis and PoGB’s is even worse. As the cost has gone up. Families that were already managing tight budgets found it even harder to pay their bills. Many households had to cut down on other basic needs just to manage electricity expenses. Small businesses are also suffering. Shops close early due to power cuts, and business activity slows down. This affects income and adds more pressure on already struggling families.

The issue is not just about electricity or prices. It is also about governance. Gilgit-Baltistan has a unique political status within Pakistan. Residents feel that they do not have full representation or decision-making power. Policies that affect their daily lives are often made without proper local input. This creates a sense of distance between the people and those in authority. PoGB is a resource rich area yet lags behind in everything, resources from here are drained out and given to Pakistan’s beloved Punjab while its rightful owner face crisis. It is not only negligence but systematic repression and apathy.

During times like Ramadan, this feeling becomes stronger. People expect relief, support and better management of basic services. Instead, they face power shortages, high bills and rising costs. This leads to frustration and disappointment. Many locals believe that their region is being neglected despite its importance and resources.

There is a clear need for practical solutions. Improving electricity supply should be a top priority. Investing in hydropower projects can help the region become self-sufficient in energy. Better planning and timely completion of projects can reduce power shortages. At the same time, electricity pricing should be fair and within reach of common people.

Most importantly, there is a need for better governance and accountability. People of Gilgit-Baltistan should feel that their concerns matter. Their voices should be included in decisions that affect their lives. Transparent systems and responsive administration can build trust and bring positive change.

Ramadan is a month of compassion and care. It reminds us to look after those who are struggling. The situation in Gilgit-Baltistan is a reminder that development is not just about plans and promises but about real change in people’s lives. Access to basic services like electricity should not be a challenge in any region.

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve a better and more stable life. They deserve reliable electricity, fair prices and a system that listens to them. Their struggle during this Ramadan should not go unnoticed. It should lead to action, so that future Ramadans bring peace and comfort instead of hardship.

It does not happen in Ramadan and in PoGB only, but in KP, Baluchistan and PoJK as well. In the end, I wonder why the government shows apathy towards PoGB, why Pakistan deprives it of basic services like electricity and, adding fuel to the fire, makes residents pay more for a service that seems a favour rather than a government obligation. I do not know the answer; I think it is because PoGB raises its voice against power, against the Army and the establishment. They protest, they do not want to be controlled, they want liberation, maybe for that. Rest, may Allah put compassion in everyone’s heart and make Ramadan a message to spread peace and harmony and ease out the continuous suffering of KP, Baluchistan, PoJK and PoGB.

Email: aaliyasyedkmr@gmail.com