Protests in Gilgit Baltistan Over Land Grabbing and Stalled Projects

In Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB), local landowners and cattle herders are protesting against land grabbing by the government in 2009. The protest took place in the Kilishaye Minimerg area of the Astore district. Protestors claimed the settlement given to them was a bogus document signed by local leaders and the land mafia. They demanded the government cancel the order and punish the culprits.

Gulam Haidar Khan, a local village leader, supported the demand, stating, “Our livelihoods depend on this decision. We demand that the lands taken away in 2009 be returned to our people.”

In Skardu’s Olding area, residents organized a similar protest, demanding the completion of reconstruction projects halted by the local administration. The public expressed frustration over the neglect of projects stalled for over three years. Youth, women, children, and business community members participated in the protest.

Local leader Shiaz emphasized the prolonged neglect of crucial projects, pointing to dilapidated roads and severe load shedding. “Our city resembles a graveyard due to these unfinished projects,” a protester stated. The community vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until their demands are met.