GILGIT: People protested in various areas of Gilgit-Baltistan against the government’s decision to increase the prices of subsidised wheat in the region.

Lawyers observed a strike and boycotted court proceedings across the region against the decision in response to the call from the GB high court bar association and district bar association, while opp­os­it­ion members in the GB Asse­mbly had already an­n­o­unced plans for a protest.

The GB government recently announced an increase in the subsidised wheat rate from Rs20 per kg to Rs52 per kg, targeting subsidised wheat to poor people only.

Earlier in June, the rate was raised from Rs7.5 to Rs20, leading to numerous protest demonstrations in GB.

A large number of local residents gathered at the main bazaar of Khaplu, the district headquarters of Ghanche, after Friday prayers, staged a protest demonstration, chanted slogans against the government’s decision, and blocked roads.

Likewise, a large number of protesters in Juglot village of Tabgir valley in Diamer district, the constituency of GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, held a demonstration criticising the GB government for failing to address people’s issues and increasing their miseries.

Public gatherings were also held in Yasin Valley of Ghizer district, where local elders decided to start protests against the decision.

Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar directed the relevant authorities to ensure adequate wheat supply to GB in response to a briefing on the wheat crisis in GB on Nov 14.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2023