GILGIT: Residents of Gilgit-Baltistan have been protesting the prolonged unavailability of electricity, mobile services, and internet connectivity, enduring around 22 hours of disruptions each day for months.

This situation has significantly affected the social and economic conditions in GB, prompting widespread concern and dissatisfaction among the local population. Those involved in online businesses, students, and professionals have become jobless due to the complete blackout.

According to a statement issued by GB Assembly Secretariat on Monday, Speaker Nazir Ahmed Advocate has taken notice of the situation and decided to convert complaints into public petitions for action under the assembly’s rules of procedure.

The speaker highlighted the severe impact of internet service disruption on students and routine work for both government and non-government employees.

“Access to communication facilities is a basic right of the local people,” he said.

The speaker has formed a special committee to address the issue and seek a permanent and alternative solution.

Meanwhile, the majority of areas in the region, including the capital cities Gilgit and Skardu, are experiencing over 22 hours of power load shedding and disrupted 4G internet services.

Muhammad Ismail, a local resident, pointed out that mobile and internet availability depends on electricity supply, which is already limited. Mobile service providers activate towers only when electricity is available, leaving students, professionals, and individuals from all walks of life severely affected, he added.

Another resident, Abid Hussain, highlighted the shrinking business opportunities in the region.

“The tourism industry is already in crisis, and people affiliated with online business and marketing are economically suffering,” he said.

Housewives and students are particularly affected due to the unavailability of electricity, impacting essential activities like cooking, lighting, mobile charging, and clothing pressing. The situation worsens on the eve of Ramadan if electricity is not available during Sehri and Iftar.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2024