Gilgit, February 27 (ANI) — Demonstrations led by women over water shortages, prolonged electricity cuts and lack of basic services have drawn attention in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). Human rights activist Senge Sering, president of the Institute for Gilgit Baltistan Studies, expressed solidarity with the protesters and accused authorities of decades of systemic neglect in the region.
Sering said women are increasingly speaking out to demand basic rights such as reliable water, electricity and sanitation. He cited a viral video from Gilgit city in which a local woman described severe service disruptions: she said her neighbourhood receives water for barely half an hour after intervals of ten to fifteen days, and suffers recurring power outages, poor sanitation and high youth unemployment.
According to Sering, the protest signals wider frustration among residents who feel excluded from governance and question appointments of administrators from outside the region. He argued that regional institutions belong to local people and that communities should have greater control over their own affairs.
Sering also made broader political claims, saying Pakistan’s presence in the area is illegal and asserting that the region belongs to India, referencing United Nations resolutions. He said that if Pakistan withdrew, local people could engage directly with India on constitutional, legal and political matters. These positions reflect Sering’s views as reported by ANI.
Observers critical of the current administration say the shortages point to deeper political marginalisation and unequal distribution of resources, citing limited political representation and insufficient infrastructure investment in PoGB. Protests have continued amid rising public dissatisfaction, with residents calling for improved services, accountability and more responsive local governance.
This report is based on a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.
