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Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan (PaJK): The peaceful sit-in organized by the Huquq Do, Dam Banao Tehreek (Give Rights, Build Dams Movement) in Diamer has entered its second month, yet the 31-point charter of demands remains largely unaddressed by the authorities. The ongoing protest has led to the continued closure of WAPDA offices and those of related construction companies, while work on peripheral roads around the Diamer Bhasha Dam site has also been halted.
A delegation of 30 religious scholars, representing the movement, is currently in Islamabad, awaiting talks with the federal ministerial committee. Despite holding multiple rounds of discussions with the provincial government’s technical committee, there has been no concrete outcome or practical progress toward fulfilling the demands of the affected local population.
Protesters in Chilas remain steadfast in their commitment to the complete implementation of all 31 demands. While members of the scholars’ committee in Islamabad have claimed that 19 of these points have been accepted in principle, they insist that the sit-in will continue until a formal, signed agreement is reached in 2025. Until then, they say, the people affected by the dam project will not be satisfied and will not return to their homes.
Speaking to media, Maulana Hazratullah, head of the Dam Committee, urged the federal government, WAPDA, and the provincial administration to demonstrate seriousness and resolve. “The victims of these mega-dam projects will not go home without securing their rightful compensation and guarantees. It is time for the authorities to act and sign a binding agreement that fulfills every promise made to the people,” he said.
The Broader Perspective
Gilgit-Baltistan remains a disputed territory under international law, yet the voices of its people are often sidelined when decisions regarding mega development projects are made. This protest is not just about compensation or development—it’s about dignity, justice, and inclusion.
The Kashmir-based independent media and civil society stand in solidarity with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, who continue to be denied basic democratic rights and legal recognition. While the state reaps the benefits of the region’s natural resources, the locals are forced to fight, year after year, for their fundamental rights and fair treatment.
The Huquq Do, Dam Banao movement is yet another reminder that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, like those in other disputed regions, are demanding a future built on justice, not exploitation.