Gilgit-Baltistan Finance Minister Engineer Muhammad Ismail ignited outrage after a video of him clashing with flood-affected residents in the Ghursey area of Ghanche went viral on July 25, 2025. The incident, which involved both verbal and physical confrontations, drew sharp criticism for his behaviour. Residents were demanding flood protection funds, which further escalated tensions.
Residents of Ghursey were constructing a protective embankment to combat river erosion that had damaged their agricultural land. When Ismail’s convoy passed by, they flagged him down, requesting funds for flood protection. Ismail reportedly shouted, “We allocated Rs 120 million last year, and yet the area is still not secure. Go to hell!” An elderly resident responded, prompting Ismail to exit his vehicle and confront him physically. The PPP district president and others intervened to calm the situation.
سیلاب میں ڈوبا گلگت بلتستان… عوام کا غصہ عوامی نمائندوں پر..
جب گلگت بلتستان کے باسی مصیبت میں گھرے،جب چھتیں گریں، زمینیں بہیں، اور آنکھوں سے خواب چھن گئے…
تب غصہ بھی پھوٹا، سوال بھی اٹھے…
کیونکہ عوام تنہا تھے!
📍اسی دوران وزیر خزانہ گلگت بلتستان انجینر اسماعیل صاحب متاثرہ… pic.twitter.com/eqO4jKc0t1
— Gilgit Baltistan Tourism. (@GBTourism_) July 24, 2025The viral video fueled condemnation on X, with users calling Ismail’s actions “shameful” and an “abuse of power.” One post read: “Elected officials intoxicated with authority mistreat voters.” The backlash highlights public frustration with unresponsive leadership amid ongoing flood crises in Gilgit-Baltistan.
وزیر خزانہ اسماعیل صاحب ۔۔۔ عوام کا بھرپور اعلاج کر رہے ہیں۔
یاد رہے محترم وزیر صاحب گزشتہ تیس سالوں سے اس حلقے سے مسلسل الیکشن جیت رہے ہیں#Gilgitbaltistan@SdqJaan pic.twitter.com/A616eKXfkr
— Roshan Din Diameri (@Rohshan_Din) July 24, 2025Gilgit-Baltistan is facing severe climate-driven floods, with nine deaths and 200 homes damaged in Diamer and Astore, according to the Chief Secretary’s July 24 briefing. Ghursey’s residents, relying on self-help, reflect inadequate government support, intensifying demands for action.
Read: Gilgit-Baltistan Faces Deadly Floods: Nine Killed, Rescue Efforts Intensify
The incident risks damaging the PPP’s image in the region, especially as flood victims seek accountability. It highlights tensions between officials and communities affected by climate disasters, with calls for improved governance growing louder.
