Shortage of food supplies in GB due to transporters’ strike

Special Reporter

Rawalpindi, April 20: Prolonged blockade of the strategic Karakuram Highway has led to depletion of regional stocks of food and non-food items in almost all parts of Gilgit – Baltistan. Remote areas of almost all districts are affected due to shortage in supplies because of the closure of Karakuram Highway since April 3, when passengers were shot dead in Chilas after confirmation of their sectarian identities.

Later a curfew was imposed in Gilgit city which created a very uncertain law and order situation in the region. Supplies to Ghizar and Hunza – Nagar were completely blocked for almost three weeks.

The situation also deteriorated due to a general strike called by truckers who demanded written safety assurance from the federal and GB government before hitting the KKH again. Transport service on KKH has yet to be resumed, leading to great food insecurity in the region.