NEWS DESK
ISLAMABAD: A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) by a petitioner from Islamabad, originally a resident of Hunza, under Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan. The petition calls for urgent intervention to address the severe electricity crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), affecting over 2.3 million people in the region who are deprived of their fundamental right to reliable energy access.
The petition highlights the dire situation in many parts of GB, where residents receive as little as two hours of electricity every 72 hours, with voltage levels consistently between 140 to 170 volts, far below the standard 220 volts required for safe and effective power. This inadequate supply disrupts daily life and frequently damages electrical appliances.
According to the petitioner, the ongoing power crisis infringes upon the fundamental human rights of GB residents, as reliable electricity is essential for vital services such as healthcare, education, and economic activities. Despite Gilgit-Baltistan’s potential to generate up to 40,000 MW of affordable electricity, the region remains underdeveloped in energy infrastructure.
The petition urges immediate action to connect Gilgit-Baltistan to the national electricity grid and ensure a stable supply of 220 volts throughout the region. These measures are seen as critical for the socio-economic development of the area and the protection of residents’ rights.
This case sheds light on the longstanding energy disparity in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region rich in energy resources but largely excluded from the benefits of national energy development. Resolving this issue could pave the way for essential energy reforms and infrastructure advancements in the region.
