Activists Halt Toll Plaza Construction on Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan
In the Hunza district of Gilgit-Baltistan, socio-political activists have successfully stopped the National Highway Authority (NHA) contractor from building a toll plaza on the Karakoram Highway in Gulmit. The NHA intended to construct the toll plaza to collect taxes, but activists have raised concerns about the legality and fairness of this action.
One activist expressed, “Collecting tax in toll plazas is a matter of debate. Earlier we also resisted the Land Reform Act and were successful.” The activists demand that authorities explain the purpose behind the toll plaza’s construction. They are open to negotiation but will resist if construction continues without proper communication.
Activists argue that Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed area, and constructing a toll plaza is an attempt to occupy the region illegally. They have vowed to protest and resist any future projects in the area, citing them as unjust. The activists have maintained their stance against the NHA’s plans, emphasizing the need for authorities to communicate their intentions.
Previously, in May 2024, residents from Nasirabad Hunza protested against infrastructure underdevelopment, criticizing the administration for illegal constructions in the disputed region. This ongoing issue has instilled fear among residents, prompting them to fight for their rights.
Doubts Revealed
Activists -: Activists are people who work to bring about social or political change. They often protest or campaign to make things better for their community.
Toll Plaza -: A toll plaza is a place on a highway where drivers have to pay money to use the road. This money is used to maintain and improve the roads.
Karakoram Highway -: The Karakoram Highway is a very important road that connects Pakistan and China. It goes through the mountains and is one of the highest paved roads in the world.
Gilgit-Baltistan -: Gilgit-Baltistan is a region in the northern part of Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful mountains and is a disputed area, meaning different countries have disagreements about who it belongs to.
National Highway Authority (NHA) -: The National Highway Authority is a government organization in Pakistan. It is responsible for building and maintaining roads and highways in the country.
Disputed Area -: A disputed area is a place where two or more countries or groups disagree about who owns or controls it. This can lead to arguments or conflicts.
Infrastructure Underdevelopment -: Infrastructure underdevelopment means that the basic facilities like roads, bridges, and buildings are not well developed or maintained. This can make it hard for people to live and work in the area.