Astore Residents Suffer Due to Poor Infrastructure Despite Chief Minister’s Visit
Residents of Astore in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) are facing severe hardships due to poor infrastructure. Despite complaints and a recent visit by the Chief Minister, issues like lack of health, education, and employment persist.
Local Voices
Rafillah Afridi, a local resident, highlighted the dire situation, stating, “Once this city was in line to become the capital and business hub of PoGB but no one could have imagined that we would be forced to face such horrible conditions.” He lamented the stalled Astore Valley Road project, approved in 2020-2021, which has yet to begin construction.
Another resident and veteran journalist, Irshad Hussain Malik, alleged corruption within the local administration. He said, “The government must make strong policies over the withdrawal of contract compensation by the contractors. As we have seen contractors withdrawing heavy compensation despite incomplete work. I believe all this is only possible through corruption.”
Unfulfilled Promises
Despite the Chief Minister’s visit and multiple complaints, the local administration has failed to address the infrastructural issues, leaving the residents in a state of despair.
Doubts Revealed
Astore -: Astore is a place in the region of Gilgit Baltistan, which is currently controlled by Pakistan. It’s known for its beautiful valleys and mountains.
Infrastructure -: Infrastructure means the basic physical systems of a place, like roads, schools, and hospitals. Good infrastructure helps people live better lives.
Chief Minister -: A Chief Minister is like the head of a state or region. They are responsible for making important decisions and ensuring the area is well-managed.
Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) -: This is a region that is currently controlled by Pakistan but is also claimed by India. It’s located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent.
Health, education, and employment -: Health means having good hospitals and doctors. Education means having good schools and teachers. Employment means having jobs for people to earn money.
Rafillah Afridi -: Rafillah Afridi is a local resident of Astore who is speaking out about the problems in the area.
Irshad Hussain Malik -: Irshad Hussain Malik is a journalist who reports on the issues in Astore and helps bring attention to them.
Corruption -: Corruption means dishonest or illegal behavior by people in power, like taking bribes or not doing their job properly.
Astore Valley Road project -: This is a project to build a road in the Astore Valley to make travel easier. It was approved in 2020-2021 but has not been completed yet.
