Residents of PoGB Express Dire Need for Infrastructure and Basic Facilities

Various districts in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) face significant underdevelopment. PoGB CM Haji Gulbar Khan criticizes slow construction. Residents lament poor roads, lack of hospitals, and government neglect, leading to fatalities and hardships in certain areas.

Several districts in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) currently suffer due to significant underdevelopment and slow pace of construction or renovation of already existing infrastructural projects. PoGB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed strong dissatisfaction over this issue, particularly highlighting slow-paced construction efforts in Diamer, as reported by Pamir Times.

In a press statement, CM Khan criticized the stakeholders involved in these projects, remarking, "If this is the pace of these projects near Diamer city, then what can be expected from villages on the outskirts of PoGB." During a visit to a Diamer hospital, Khan stated, "Development in Diamer is slow-paced and weak. Hardly any progress has taken place over the years. The Chief Engineer of PoGB is at fault and must be held accountable. I believe some locals are also involved."

He added, "I had to see it myself to believe it. The hospital in Chilas has been under construction for around seven years. If construction is so slow in Chilas, the centre of Diamer, what can we expect in outskirt districts like Darel, Tangir, and Khandbari? This is unacceptable." Inadequate infrastructure also affects the Pahot Valley, a popular tourist spot grappling with poor roads, lack of hospitals, and unreliable electricity, according to Markhor Times.

Residents expressed their frustrations with the Pakistani government. One resident said, "The government does nothing for our valley. We haven't seen any officials, and we haven't received any assistance. It's tough to afford even one meal a day. Forests are being cut down, and when we protest, we are threatened with imprisonment. Our conditions are dire: no dispensary, and poor roads causing numerous issues."

The lack of proper roads has had dire consequences, including fatalities. Residents report several deaths due to inadequate access to medical facilities. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)