PoGB: Students march demanding construction of tunnels on crucial highway
Students Demand Safer Roads in Gilgit-Baltistan
'Build Tunnels, Save Lives' March
A group of students from the Baltistan Students Federation (BSF) at Karakoram International University (KIU) completed a seven-day protest march in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. They called for the construction of tunnels along the dangerous Shahra-e-Baltistan highway. The march, covering 167 kilometers from Gilgit to Skardu, ended at Yadgar-e-Shuhada Skardu on December 29, 2024.
The students' main demand is to build tunnels for safer travel on the Shahra-e-Baltistan, a highway known for its dangerous terrain and frequent accidents. The protest, named "Build Tunnels, Save Lives," reflects frustration over the government's failure to improve road safety despite years of campaigning.
Advocate Asif Naji, a senior BSF leader, highlighted the urgency, noting that over 1,500 lives have been lost on this hazardous road. He criticized past road projects for not addressing safety concerns and accused contractors of mismanagement. Naji emphasized that the local population's safety has been compromised for too long.
The protest also highlighted the detention of Awami Action Committee (AAC) leaders, with speakers condemning the arrests and warning that such actions harm freedom of expression and the country's reputation. Najaf Ali, another AAC leader, questioned the government's neglect of the region.
The Shahra-e-Baltistan has seen 46 traffic accidents between August 2023 and December 2024, resulting in eight deaths and 50 injuries. These statistics underscore the urgent need for safer travel routes. A recent landslide and previous fatal incidents have amplified the call for change.
Doubts Revealed
Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan is a region in the northern part of Pakistan, known for its beautiful mountains and valleys. It is a place where many people live and travel, but the roads can be dangerous.
Baltistan Students Federation
The Baltistan Students Federation is a group of students from the Baltistan region who come together to work on issues important to them, like education and safety.
Karakoram International University
Karakoram International University is a school in Gilgit-Baltistan where students go to learn and study different subjects. It is named after the Karakoram mountain range nearby.
Shahra-e-Baltistan highway
The Shahra-e-Baltistan highway is a road in Gilgit-Baltistan that connects different areas. It is known to be dangerous because of its condition and the difficult terrain it passes through.
Advocate Asif Naji
Advocate Asif Naji is a person who speaks out for the rights and safety of people in Gilgit-Baltistan. He is concerned about how road projects are managed.
Awami Action Committee
The Awami Action Committee is a group that works for the rights and needs of the people in Gilgit-Baltistan. They try to make sure the government listens to the people's concerns.
freedom of expression
Freedom of expression means people can share their thoughts and ideas without being stopped or punished. It is important for people to be able to speak up about issues that matter to them.
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