On Monday, The federal government announced a high-level committee to address the concerns of locals protesting against the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in Gilgit-Baltistan’s (GB) Diamer district.
The protests stem from WAPDA’s failure to compensate residents for land acquired for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project. Over the weekend, thousands gathered near the airport in Chilas, accusing WAPDA of breaking its commitments. The protesters gave the authority one week to meet their demands, threatening to halt construction without addressing their grievances.
The demonstrators are demanding:
- Compensation for 18,000 acres of land acquired without payment.
- Distribution of the Chula Package to more than 2,500 households.
- Provision of residential and agricultural plots for affected families.
- Local appointments for positions in the dam project.
A high-level meeting, chaired by the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GB Amir Muqam in Islamabad, decided to form the committee. According to a press release from the GB Chief Minister’s House, the committee will visit the area within two days to hear the protesters’ concerns and implement solutions.
During the meeting, GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, a native of Diamer, stated that the community’s frustration stemmed from WAPDA’s failure to honour commitments. He highlighted delays in disbursing household packages and implementing confidence-building measures as key reasons for the unrest.
Minister Amir Muqam assured the protesters’ legitimate demands would be met, acknowledging their sacrifices for the nation. He confirmed that the committee would be formed under the prime minister’s directives and would engage directly with the affected community to address their charter of demands.
Diamer-Bhasha Dam Protesters Demand
Despite the government’s announcement, the protesters refused to end their demonstration. A 40-member council representing the protest movement resolved to continue for two more days. They demanded that the prime minister establish an authorized ministerial committee for negotiations, warning that failure to meet their demands by the deadline would lead to implementing a “Plan B” with severe consequences.
Addressing the crowd, GB Agriculture Minister Engineer Muhammad Anwar and Forests Adviser Shah Baig expressed their full support for the protesters. They vowed to hold WAPDA accountable for the ongoing crisis.
Additionally, local political leaders, including PPP GB President Amjad Hussain, joined forces with various social, political, and religious organizations to show solidarity. The protestors warned that if the government failed to address the protesters’ demands, the demonstrations would escalate across Gilgit-Baltistan.
