Gilgit-Baltistan is grappling with a critical wheat shortage, plunging households into distress and igniting fresh criticism of Islamabad’s governance. Residents are enduring daily queues for subsidized wheat, a vital resource during the punishing winter months, which has become increasingly difficult to obtain. The scarcity has led to soaring market prices, making the staple food unaffordable for many in areas like Gilgit, Skardu, and Hunza.
Accusations are mounting that the current crisis is a result of systemic neglect. Community leaders suggest that the region, already politically marginalized, is deliberately deprived of essential supplies. They point to a history of Gilgit-Baltistan being disproportionately affected by resource shortfalls. This food insecurity is exacerbated by severe and persistent electricity outages, impacting businesses and students alike. The paradox of generating significant hydropower while experiencing daily blackouts is a major point of contention.
The fundamental issue, according to many in the region, stems from its unique administrative status. Operating outside Pakistan’s constitutional framework, Gilgit-Baltistan lacks direct representation in national parliament and limited access to the judiciary. Critical decisions regarding local resources are made by distant authorities, diminishing local control and accountability. This has cultivated a sense of being exploited for resources without receiving commensurate benefits.
Civil society groups argue that the federal government failed to heed early warnings about the declining wheat supply. Instead of increasing allocations, officials reportedly offered vague assurances and blamed logistical hurdles. The escalating shortage has prompted public demonstrations, with citizens demanding the government restore regular subsidized grain distribution and explain the irregularities. Older residents recall that even in previous hardship years, such consistent shortages were uncommon.
Protesters connect the food crisis to a wider narrative of resource mismanagement and exploitation. They highlight instances of land acquisition without fair compensation, power being exported while local needs are unmet, and development projects proceeding without local consultation. This, they argue, underscores a governance approach that treats Gilgit-Baltistan as a secondary concern, despite its strategic significance. As winter deepens, the immediate worry for families is securing sufficient food. Without clear action from Islamabad, the situation is expected to worsen, leaving residents frustrated by unfulfilled promises and a feeling that their region’s limited political influence contributes to their struggle for basic sustenance.