Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit Baltistan : ReNews Pakistan
Residents of Gilgit took to the streets on Tuesday to protest prolonged power outages and resulting water shortages affecting various areas of the city, while other regions across Gilgit-Baltistan also reported loadshedding exceeding 20 hours.
A large number of women and children participated in a sit-in at Nadir Chowk in the Zulfiqarabad area of Gilgit, where protesters burned tires and chanted slogans criticizing the government for failing to provide electricity and water, even during the month of Ramazan. Demonstrations were also held in other areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Protesters stated that life in many neighborhoods has come to a standstill, with barely two hours of low-voltage electricity being supplied. The lack of power has rendered water pumps inoperative, resulting in acute water shortages over several days. One woman protester reported that their area had been in complete darkness for the past ten days due to a non-functional transformer, forcing residents to rely on private water tankers, which most could not afford.
Local residents, including Irfan Hussain, criticized the government for failing to provide basic services such as electricity and drinking water, noting the negative impact on the local economy, tourism, and livelihoods. Freelancers and remote workers were particularly affected, with mobile and internet networks also disrupted as several telecom towers went offline during the outages. A Pakistan Telecommunication Authority official confirmed that private networks struggled to operate towers with power generators for extended hours.
Similar power outages exceeding 20 hours were reported in Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Diamer, and other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the GB Power Department, the region’s electricity generation relies primarily on hydropower projects, and reduced water flow during the winter season limits generation capacity. Authorities indicated that the situation is expected to improve after April. Residents have called on the government to take immediate measures to restore electricity and water services and prevent further disruption to daily life in the region.

Gilgit | ReNews Pakistan
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has announced that roller-compacted concrete (RCC) works at the Diamer-Basha Dam and Dasu Hydropower Project will commence during the current year, marking a significant transition from foundation preparation to structural construction. The development follows substantial progress in excavation, engineering preparation, and installation of essential construction systems.
The update was shared during WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saeed’s visit to both project sites, where he reviewed implementation progress and directed project teams to maintain construction timelines and ensure adherence to approved execution plans.
At Diamer-Basha Dam, located on the Indus River near Chilas, excavation of key structural foundations, including the dam base and abutments, has largely been completed. RCC trial operations have been conducted successfully, enabling the project to proceed toward full-scale concrete placement. Construction activity is currently ongoing across approximately 20 operational zones. The project remains on track for completion in 2030.
Supporting development in nearby localities is also advancing. A cadet college in Chilas has been completed, while work on the Harpan Das model village has reached approximately 61 per cent completion. Infrastructure development, including internal road networks, water supply systems, and sanitation facilities, is underway. Additional public service projects, including a water supply scheme for Chilas and a health facility in Upper Kohistan, are in various stages of implementation.
At the Dasu Hydropower Project, construction is progressing across 23 active sites, including underground power generation chambers and structural foundations. Concrete production plants are fully operational, enabling the project to proceed with RCC placement during the current year. A dedicated 132 kV transmission line constructed to support project operations is in its final commissioning phase. Power generation from the project is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Both projects represent critical components of Pakistan’s long-term infrastructure expansion strategy, with associated settlement development, transport connectivity, and public service facilities expected to support regional growth and long-term economic integration.