Locals in Askole Village Struggle Due to Poor Roads and Facilities

Locals in Shigar district, Askole village in Pakistan Occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) depend on tourism-related income for their livelihoods. However, the poor condition of roads and inadequate infrastructural facilities make it difficult for them to sustain.

Despite the area earning substantial income from adventure sports every year, the PoGB administration has shown apathy towards improving the infrastructure. The Askole region is situated near several tourist destinations like K2, Broad Peak, and Baltoro Glacier, making it a popular spot for trekkers and mountain climbers. However, the poor road conditions are making the journey dangerous and accident-prone.

Drivers owning private vehicles are now the only source of income, as they often accompany trekkers and mountain climbers. A jeep driver from Skardu district said, “We are often forced to return empty-handed when we come to this village. Reaching here is very dangerous. We cannot even meet the maintenance and fuel costs if we come here. Thus, this is a catch-22 situation for us as on one side the government is not ready to help and the danger we face on our way here.”

Locals sometimes repair the roads and bridges themselves, but these efforts are temporary and insufficient. The driver added, “We have seen so many accidents ourselves and still the situation does not improve at all.”