Stranded at the Karakoram: The Impact of the Harban Blockade
Imagine being stuck in a never-ending traffic jam, but instead of just being frustrated, you’re facing serious shortages of food and medicine. This is the daily reality for hundreds of passengers and transporters who find themselves stranded on both sides of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), thanks to a blockade by residents of Harban in Upper Kohistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. For the seventh consecutive day, the highway remains closed as locals protest for higher compensation regarding land acquired for the Diamer-Basha Dam project.
The significance of the KKH cannot be overstated. It serves as the main link between Gilgit-Baltistan and the rest of Pakistan, making this blockade especially troubling. Witnesses report that the streets are filled with frustrated travelers, while hundreds of trucks loaded with essential goods sit idle. If you’re a local resident or a trader, this situation has made daily life nearly unbearable.
Protest leaders are vocal about their grievances, claiming that both WAPDA and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa administration have failed to honor their promises. Niamat Khan, one of the protest organizers, highlighted the delays and inadequate compensation, stating, “Our land was taken, but the rates were unfair and payments have been delayed for years.” Although officials acknowledge that about Rs3 billion is owed, with nearly Rs2 billion already in the deputy commissioner’s account, they argue that the remaining funds will be released once all legal formalities are complete. Unfortunately, that assurances haven’t calmed the protesters, who demand immediate action.
Economic repercussions are evident; food prices are skyrocketing, with essential items like onions and tomatoes becoming increasingly expensive. Those forced to reroute through the Babusar Pass face exorbitant fares, further straining the fragile local economy. Traders and transporters are reporting heavy daily losses, while civil society groups are criticizing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for its inaction. “Authorities in G-B and K-P appear indifferent while people suffer,” lamented Mufti Kumail, a trader in Gilgit.
The effects are especially pronounced in the Diamer Valley, where residents from Darel and Tangir are unable to travel to Chilas or Gilgit. This blockade isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s crippling daily life and economic activity for countless families.
As protests continue, residents and traders are calling on both federal and provincial governments to step in and resolve the situation. The voices of the protesters echo a shared frustration: they will not back down until their demands are met, emphasizing the need for immediate dialogue to restore traffic on this crucial highway.
In times like these, staying informed about local issues is essential. If you’re interested in learning more about ongoing developments in this region or if you want to get involved in conversations around such matters, feel free to connect with organizations like Pro21st, which delve deeper into community stories and advocacy.
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