Protests in different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan persisted for the 22nd consecutive day on Wednesday, as demonstrators continued to demand the reinstatement of a wheat subsidy in the region.
Members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council have expressed solidarity with the ongoing protests and have decided to present a summary to the caretaker prime minister, recommending an increase in the supply of subsidized wheat and the restoration of previous price levels.
Despite challenging weather conditions, protests and sit-ins continued for the 22nd day in Skardu, Gilgit, and other districts, opposing the hike in subsidized wheat prices and addressing various concerns. The Awami Action Committee, an alliance of political and religious parties in the region, has called for the protests. Thousands of protesters are maintaining their sit-in at Yadgar-i-Shuhada and other locations in Skardu, voicing their discontent with the government and public representatives.
A protest rally moved from Jail Chowk to Yadgar Chowk in Skardu. In Gilgit, a sit-in has persisted for the 15th day at Garibagh, with active participation from members of various political and religious parties.
Protest rallies have also taken place in Yasin Valley of Ghizer and in Nagar Khas. Demonstrations have been organized in Ghanche, Shigar, Hunza, Ast, Diamer, and Kharmang.
Protesters have committed to continuing their demonstration until their demands are met. Despite negotiations on Monday by GB Assembly member Fathullah Khan to persuade them to postpone the protest until the February 8 general elections in Pakistan, the demonstrators rejected the proposal. They stated that if their demands were not met, they would initiate protest marches from Skardu and Gilgit after January 20.
A meeting of GB Council members took place at the Council Secretariat on Tuesday to address the matter. Chaired by standing committee chairman Ayub Shah, the meeting included joint secretary Siddiq Khan Khattak and members Sheikh Ahmed Ali Noori, Syed Shabia Al-Hussain, Abdul Rahman, and Hashmatullah Khan.
The council members expressed solidarity with the protesters during the meeting and announced their support for the demands. A summary is set to be sent promptly to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who also serves as chairman of the GB Council, urging an increase in the subsidized wheat quota for GB and the restoration of previous rates.
Expressing concern over the elimination of the health card, the council members called for its immediate reinstatement. They emphasized that numerous patients from Gilgit-Baltistan are currently receiving treatment at hospitals in various cities of Pakistan, including Islamabad. Addressing the termination of the health card, the GB Council members directed the health secretary to resolve the matter expeditiously.
Simultaneously, opposition members in the GB Assembly have submitted a requisition for a session to discuss the financial and wheat crises in the region. Opposition leader Kazim Mesum, along with other opposition members, declared their support for the protesters.
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