ELECTRICITY SHORTAGE IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN
By Syed Shams Uddin Manzar Shigri's latest podcast, aired on K2, January 10, 2025, sheds light on the alarming electricity shortage in Gilgit-Baltistan in 2025. The region continues to grapple with a severe energy crisis, marked by minimal power supply, often limited to just two hours a day in urban centers. This chronic shortage has had profound implications for the daily lives of residents, particularly as the harsh winter intensifies. Shigri highlighted the recent protests in Hunza, where women and children played an active role in drawing attention to the issue. The demonstrations ultimately led to a government assurance to address the energy crisis by deploying thermal power solutions. However, this temporary arrangement has sparked debates among environmentalists, who express concerns over the pollution caused by diesel generators. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, residents fear the worsening of the already dire situation. Meanwhile, several hydropower projects remain...