Islamabad’s management of dissent in Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) has highlighted governance challenges in the region. Despite controlling PoGB administratively since 1948, Pakistan has not granted it full constitutional status. This has led to federal government and military entities wielding significant control over resources and political structures in PoGB, limiting local representation.
Recent years have seen a rise in economic grievances, energy shortages, and concerns over China-backed projects in PoGB. In response to public unrest, Pakistan has employed coercive tactics such as arrests and regulatory pressures. This has widened the gap between Pakistan’s economic strategies in the region and the growing political awareness among PoGB residents.
The lack of clear constitutional status for PoGB has been identified as a fundamental cause of unrest. Governed through executive orders rather than constitutional integration since 1948, key sectors like minerals, hydropower, and security remain under federal control. The failure to fulfill promises, such as granting provincial status by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has fueled political discontent in the region.
Political frustration escalated when Pakistan introduced new taxation measures in 2022 instead of granting provincial status. This move triggered widespread protests in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and other areas. Protestors argued that taxation without proper representation violated federal principles, with revenue from PoGB not being reinvested proportionally in the region, reinforcing the perception of exploitation by Pakistan.
Local residents in PoGB face severe energy shortages, particularly during winter, with power cuts lasting up to 18 to 20 hours daily in some areas. Concerns have been raised about delayed compensation for displaced communities and the lack of local job opportunities. Reports indicate that most workers on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in PoGB are non-local, including Chinese nationals and laborers from other provinces.
