Thorsay Bilamik Valley Faces Major Challenges

Poor Roads, No Schools, and No Healthcare

The Thorsay Bilamik Valley in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan is facing severe infrastructural problems due to administrative neglect. This has hindered the area’s potential as a tourist destination.

Residents are dealing with numerous issues such as poor road conditions, lack of mobile network coverage, insufficient health infrastructure, and the absence of educational institutions.

Local Voices

Ehsaan Ali Shah, a local resident, expressed his frustration, saying, “Our problems are endless. The roads are in disrepair, we lack mobile network services, and there are no facilities for education or healthcare. Despite raising these concerns, the administration remains silent and unresponsive. Ministers had promised to build guest houses in the valley, but nothing has materialised.”

A local student highlighted the inadequacy of educational facilities, noting that there is only one small middle school, which is not sufficient for a large number of students. “Many students have to leave their homes to study, leaving their families without support. Similarly, there is no health clinic, and women in labour often have to travel dangerous roads to reach medical facilities. There have been cases where babies were born during the journey,” the student said.

Challenges for Pilgrims

Previously, pilgrims travelling to offer prayers during Muharram complained about the poor road conditions leading to a pilgrimage site near the mountain peaks of PoGB. They had to spend additional hours climbing the peak due to the state of the roads.

One traveller described the difficulties faced during the journey, saying, “The pilgrimage site is already a challenging location. We had to carry our baggage over poorly constructed roads, and inadequate street signs led to confusion and disorientation.”

Another traveller noted, “We started our journey from Skardu late at night and reached the base of the mountain. Locals warned us about the road conditions and informed us that although contracts for road construction were awarded years ago, no progress has been made.”

A further traveller added that many people visit this site for prayers and encounter similar difficulties. “While it is easier for younger people like us, elderly individuals, children, and women face significant hardships. Many people visit this site for prayers and encounter similar difficulties. This situation is unacceptable,” the traveller said.

The travellers also reported that after enduring an eight-hour climb, there were no facilities provided by the administration for resting, forcing them to sit on uncomfortable rocks. Despite previous complaints filed with local authorities regarding road construction, no action has been taken.