Advocate Amjad Husain Criticizes Authorities Over Issues in Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit Baltistan
Concerns Raised by Advocate Amjad Husain
Advocate Amjad Husain, a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, raised concerns about the developmental issues faced by the citizens of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB). He criticized the local authorities for neglecting the region’s infrastructure and basic facilities.
Power Cuts and Basic Facilities
During a protest at Sost Dry Port, Husain highlighted the severe load shedding in PoGB, where residents experience around 20 hours of power cuts daily. He demanded that no taxes on electricity be levied until uninterrupted power supply is ensured.
Heavy Taxation and Trade Issues
Husain also addressed the heavy taxation on traders involved in cross-border trade with China through Sost Dry Port. He criticized the authorities for obstructing local businesses and not honoring court orders that exempt PoGB from taxes. The ongoing protest has halted trade activities, with traders threatening to block the Karakoram Highway if their demands are not met.
Doubts Revealed
Advocate -: An advocate is a person who speaks or writes in support of something or someone. In this context, it means a lawyer who is fighting for people’s rights.
Amjad Husain -: Amjad Husain is a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, which is a political party in Pakistan. He is also a lawyer who is concerned about the issues in Gilgit Baltistan.
Pakistan Peoples Party -: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is a major political party in Pakistan. It was founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and is known for its progressive and social democratic policies.
Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) -: Gilgit Baltistan is a region that is currently administered by Pakistan but is also claimed by India. It is located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent.
Sost Dry Port -: Sost Dry Port is a major trade and transport hub in Gilgit Baltistan. It is used for cross-border trade between Pakistan and China.
Power cuts -: Power cuts are periods when the electricity supply is interrupted. This can cause a lot of problems for people and businesses.
Basic facilities -: Basic facilities refer to essential services like clean water, electricity, healthcare, and education that people need to live comfortably.
Heavy taxation -: Heavy taxation means that the government is charging a lot of money in taxes. This can make it difficult for people and businesses to afford things.
Cross-border trade -: Cross-border trade is the buying and selling of goods between two countries. In this case, it refers to trade between Pakistan and China.
Electricity taxes -: Electricity taxes are extra charges added to the cost of electricity. People have to pay these taxes along with their regular electricity bills.
Court orders -: Court orders are legal decisions made by a judge. These orders must be followed by everyone, including the government.