GILGIT: A shutter-down strike was observed across Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday against an increase in the rate of subsidised wheat.

The rate of wheat, which was heavily subsidised for the region, has significantly increased over the past six months — first from Rs7.5 to Rs20 per kilogram in June and then recently to Rs52 per kg.

The Awami Action Committee (AAC), an alliance of political parties and traders’ unions, had called for the strike in ten districts of GB.

Markets, shopping malls and restaurants remained deserted, with business activities suspended from morning to evening.

In Skardu, a protest was held at the Yadgar Chowk. The protesters rejected the hike in wheat prices and chanted slogans against the government.

Speakers said the subsidy was “a right of the people of GB”, which is being taken away.

They said the protest would continue if the price hike was not withdrawn.

GB CM meets protesters

On Friday, GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan presided over a joint meeting of ministers and AAC leaders at the CM Secretariat.

While addressing the meeting, he said it is people’s right to criticise the government.

Justifying the increase in wheat prices, the CM said it was inevitable in view of the current economic challenges.

He rejected the impression that the subsidy on wheat was being removed.

He also demanded a share for GB from the National Finance Commis­sion award just like the Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting agreed to take a final decision regarding the rate of subsidised wheat through mutual consultation in a week.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2023