In the neighboring country Pakistan, people who are yearning for bread for two days have already been hit hard.
The government has increased the prices of subsidized wheat. Due to this, thousands of angry people have come out on the streets in Gilgit Baltistan.
Angry people took to the streets in all the districts and cities of Gilgit-Baltistan and not only blocked roads but also forcibly closed all the shops in the cities. Due to this, life has come to a standstill in entire Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the report of Pakistan’s famous newspaper Dawn, the protesters have organized massive rallies against the increase in wheat prices.
Due to the protest, shops, markets, restaurants and business centers remained closed in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Ghaiser, Astore, Shighar, Ghanche, Kharmang, Hunza and various areas of the city.
The report said that due to the chakka jam by the protesters, attendance in private and government offices and educational institutions was also low and people were facing difficulties in purchasing essential commodities and travelling.
According to reports, the strike has been called by the Awami Action Committee in consultation with associations representing traders, transporters and hotel owners.
This is the second phase of the protests that have been going on for the past one month against the GB government’s decision to increase the prices of subsidized wheat. AAC has announced that people from various districts and areas of the state will march towards Gilgit and Skardu on Saturday.
After Friday prayers, a protest was held at Siddiq Akbar Chowk in Chilas, the district headquarters of Diamar, in which a large number of people participated. Speakers condemned the GB government’s decision to increase the rate of subsidized wheat, terming it a failure of the Chief Minister.
The protesters have warned that the Karakoram Highway will be blocked if their demands are not met.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah met President Dr Arif Alvi in Islamabad on Friday and discussed the overall situation in the region including wheat subsidy and other issues.
A statement issued by the President’s Office said that the President told the Governor that he has taken up the issue with the Caretaker Prime Minister and the Finance Minister and hopes that it will be resolved soon.