Protests in Sultanabad, Gilgit Baltistan Over Lack of Basic Amenities and Internet

Residents of Sandhi village in Sultanabad, a district in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan, have taken to the streets to protest the lack of basic amenities and internet access. The peaceful protest aimed to draw the government's attention to their struggles.

According to reports, villagers highlighted the significant digital divide they face. One resident stated, "The world is using 4G and 5G networks for modern education, and we don't even have 3G or 4G here. That's why I want to ask the Assistant Commissioner to solve our internet issue. If this problem isn't resolved, our small protest will escalate into a larger one."

Another resident expressed the community's frustration, saying, "We appeal to the government to address our problems and spread our message to the world. If they don't act, we won't stop at this. The youth of Sultanabad, along with our mothers and sisters, will take to the streets for our rights. We are deprived of fundamental rights our roads, schools, healthcare facilities, everything is in shambles."

The protestors emphasized that their demands go beyond internet access, seeking to improve the village's overall standard of living. They warned of intensifying their demonstrations if prompt action is not taken. "We will continue to protest before the Assistant Commissioner's office until our issues are resolved. When elections approach, we will stand united and protest in front of all political parties," a resident declared.

Local authorities have not yet responded to the villagers' demands, but the villagers have made it clear that they will not give up until real answers are offered. Previously, poor network access and frequent internet outages have caused significant issues for the people of Gojal Valley in the Hunza region, affecting daily life and children's education.