The Karakorum Highway is a vital artery that connects Pakistan to China, passing through the rugged terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan. Despite its economic significance, the highway remains one of the most dangerous roads in the world, with an average of 25 fatalities reported every year. Unfortunately, the marginalized communities of Gilgit-Baltistan are among the worst affected by this state of affairs. The lack of affordable and quality transport has left many people with no choice but to risk their lives every day, just to get to work or go about their routine business. The government’s lack of interest in improving transportation in the region is unacceptable, and the monopoly of the private transport sector has only made matters worse. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve better. They deserve a safe and reliable transportation system that allows them to access basic necessities and opportunities without fear of loss of life or limb. The government must take immediate action to provide affordable and quality transport to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, to help break the cycle of poverty and neglect that has plagued the region for far too long. It is time for the government to step up and show its commitment to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. They must take the necessary steps to ensure that the Karakorum Highway is safe and accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The marginalized communities of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve no less.
It is important to note that the ongoing issues with transportation in Gilgit-Baltistan are deeply rooted in the region’s colonial status. Despite being an administrative part of Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan remains one of the country’s least developed regions, with no representation in the country’s parliament. This lack of representation has left the region’s inhabitants with few avenues to voice their concerns and seek redress for the numerous violations of their basic rights. In the absence of proper representation, the marginalized communities of Gilgit-Baltistan are left to suffer in silence. The lack of investment in transportation infrastructure and the monopoly of the private sector are just two examples of the many ways in which their basic rights are violated on a daily basis. This situation must change, and the government must take immediate steps to grant Gilgit-Baltistan the same rights and privileges as any other region of the country.
The inadequate transportation system in Gilgit-Baltistan not only puts people’s lives at risk, but it also limits their access to education, health and employment opportunities. This has contributed to a vicious cycle of poverty and deprivation, with many young people forced to out-migrate in search of a better life. The lack of education, health and employment opportunities at home compels the people of this region to opt for this unsafe transport. On the other hand, the lack of safe and reliable transportation makes it difficult for the youth to attend higher education and for families to access basic healthcare services. It also makes it harder for people to find work, as many job opportunities are located in the mainland. This lack of access to education, health, and employment opportunities perpetuates the cycle of poverty and marginalization in the region. Transportation issue in Gilgit-Baltistan is not only a matter of public safety, but also a matter of social and economic justice. By providing affordable and quality transportation, the government can help break the cycle of poverty and marginalization in the region, and create new opportunities for the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan to thrive. This is a matter of urgency, and the government must act now to ensure that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have the same opportunities and freedoms as any other citizens of the country.
It is important to note that Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed region according to the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolutions of 1948. As the administrator of the region, Pakistan is bound to provide subsidies on a number of goods and services, including transportation. This is in recognition of the fact that Gilgit-Baltistan is a disputed region and that its inhabitants have been denied many of the rights and privileges enjoyed by other citizens of the country. However, despite this obligation, the government has failed to provide adequate subsidies to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the area of transportation. The high cost of private transport has made it difficult for many people to access basic necessities, and the lack of investment in public transport has left them with few alternatives. This is a clear violation of the obligations that the government has towards the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, and it must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The inadequate transportation system in Gilgit-Baltistan is not only the result of a lack of government interest, but it is also a result of the hegemony and corruption of the National Highway Authority (NHA), the Frontier Works Organization (FWO), and the Excise Police. These organizations have a responsibility to maintain the Karakorum Highway and ensure that vehicles operating on the road are fit for use, but they have failed to fulfill these responsibilities properly. The NHA, which is responsible for the maintenance of the Karakorum Highway, has neglected its duties, resulting in dangerous road conditions that have claimed the lives of many. The FWO, which is responsible for the construction of the roads, has also been criticized for poor workmanship, which has contributed to the ongoing transportation issues in the region. The Excise Police, which is responsible for checking the fitness of vehicles, has also been accused of corruption, allowing unfit vehicles to operate on the road. These organizations must be held accountable for their actions, and the government must take immediate steps to ensure that they are fulfilling their responsibilities properly. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have the right to safe and reliable transportation, and it is the government’s responsibility to provide it. The government must also take action to address the corruption and hegemony within these organizations, and ensure that they are operating in the best interests of the people.
It is time for the civil society and indigenous political parties in Gilgit-Baltistan to come together and voice their concerns about the ongoing transportation issues. The government’s lack of interest in addressing these problems is unacceptable, and it is up to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to demand change. By coming out and protesting against the colonial state, they can raise awareness about the ongoing violations of basic rights and help to bring about much-needed change. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan must make their voices heard, and they must use their collective power to pressure the government into taking action. The transportation issue is just one example of the many ways in which their rights are being violated, and it is time for the government to take action and grant them the same freedoms and privileges as any other citizens of the country. In a nutshell, the transportation issue in Gilgit-Baltistan is a matter of public safety, social justice, and environmental protection. The inadequate transportation system, with its monopoly on the private transport sector, is taking the lives of many and causing significant harm to the environment. The government must take immediate action to improve the transportation system in the region, and to address the hegemony and corruption within organizations like the National Highway Authority, the Frontier Works Organization, and the Excise Police. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve safe and reliable transportation, and the government must provide it. The civil society and indigenous political parties must also play a role in advocating for their rights, and in holding the government accountable for its actions. The future of Gilgit-Baltistan depends on addressing these ongoing transportation issues, and the government must act now to ensure a brighter future for the people and the environment of the region.
NOMADIC THOUGHTS 