Protests in Gilgit-Baltistan Disrupt Pakistan-China Trade; Karakoram Highway Blocked
Massive protests have erupted in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region of critical geopolitical importance, disrupting trade along the Pakistan-China corridor. The unrest has led to the blockade of the Karakoram Highway, a key artery for economic activity and a vital part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The protests, fueled by grievances over political autonomy, resource allocation, and economic instability, have paralyzed normal life in the region.
Protests at a Glance
The unrest began earlier this week, with thousands taking to the streets across Gilgit-Baltistan. Protesters are demanding greater political rights, better governance, and equitable distribution of resources. The blockade of the Karakoram Highway, the only land route connecting Pakistan to China, has caused significant disruption to bilateral trade.
Local leaders and activists have stated that their protests will continue until the federal government addresses their concerns.
The world is preparing to go on Mars and then there is a poor #GilgitBaltistan where people are treated like animals, no electricity, no internet, no food and most importantly no right to self determination for more than seven decades.😥#Starlink#powerCrisis#BasicHumanRights pic.twitter.com/pOa5cYRYIh
— گلگت بلتستان (@TheGilgitii) January 5, 2025
Why Gilgit-Baltistan Matters
Gilgit-Baltistan, strategically located at the crossroads of South and Central Asia, holds immense importance for Pakistan and China.
- Economic Corridor: The region is a crucial part of the CPEC, linking China’s Xinjiang province to Pakistan’s Gwadar port.
- Natural Resources: Rich in minerals and hydroelectric potential, the region is vital to Pakistan’s energy strategy.
- Geopolitical Significance: Sharing borders with China, Afghanistan, and India, the area is a hotspot for regional dynamics.
Causes of the Unrest
The protests stem from several long-standing issues:
- Political Marginalization: Despite being under Pakistan’s administrative control, Gilgit-Baltistan does not have full provincial status, leaving residents without significant political representation.
- Economic Disparity: Locals claim that the benefits of CPEC projects bypass the region, with little investment in infrastructure, education, or healthcare.
- Resource Exploitation: The federal government is accused of exploiting Gilgit-Baltistan’s resources without fair compensation to the local population.
Impact on Pakistan-China Trade
The blockade of the Karakoram Highway has severely impacted trade between Pakistan and China. This highway is a critical lifeline for the transportation of goods, including essential commodities and construction materials for CPEC projects.
- Trade Disruption: Hundreds of trucks carrying goods remain stranded on both sides of the border.
- Economic Fallout: The prolonged disruption could exacerbate Pakistan’s economic crisis, already strained by inflation and currency depreciation.
Chinese officials have expressed concern over the situation, urging Pakistan to ensure the smooth functioning of the trade route.
Government’s Response
The Pakistani government has called for dialogue to resolve the crisis. Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti has assured protestors that their grievances will be addressed, but negotiations have yet to yield results. Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent any escalation of violence.
Voices from the Ground
Local activists and residents have shared their frustrations:
- Muhammad Aslam, a protestor: “We have been ignored for decades. CPEC benefits everyone except us, the people who live here.”
- Ayesha Jafar, a teacher in Gilgit: “Our schools lack basic facilities, while billions are spent on highways. We need education, not just infrastructure.”
What Lies Ahead
The unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan poses significant challenges for Pakistan:
- CPEC Stability: The region’s unrest could deter Chinese investors, affecting the progress of key CPEC projects.
- Economic Pressure: Continued trade disruption will have cascading effects on Pakistan’s struggling economy.
- Regional Security: Prolonged instability could invite external interference, given the region’s proximity to contentious borders.