The Power Crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan: A Tale of Neglect and Exploitation

By Nasir Khattak

Gilgit-Baltistan, a region often referred to as the “land of abundance” due to its vast natural resources, is ironically grappling with a severe power crisis. Despite being home to some of the world’s largest glaciers and rivers, which hold immense potential for hydroelectric power generation, the region remains shrouded in darkness for hours each day. This paradox highlights a deeper issue: the lack of credible action and long-term vision from the Pakistani government, coupled with systemic corruption, exploitation of resources, and misplaced priorities.

Gilgit-Baltistan is endowed with an estimated 50,000 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectric potential, yet it generates less than 200 MW of electricity. This glaring disparity underscores the failure to harness the region’s natural wealth for the benefit of its people. Locals often express frustration, noting that while their rivers and glaciers are being exploited to generate electricity for other parts of Pakistan, they are left to endure prolonged power outages. 

“We are sitting on a goldmine, yet we are forced to live in darkness,” a local resident remarked.

The region’s power crisis is not due to a lack of resources but rather a lack of political will and sustainable planning. Experts argue that the government’s approach has been shortsighted, focusing on quick fixes rather than long-term solutions. Small-scale projects, often plagued by delays and corruption, have failed to address the growing demand for electricity. Meanwhile, large-scale hydroelectric projects, which could transform the region’s energy landscape, remain stuck in bureaucratic red tape.

Corruption and mismanagement are at the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan’s power crisis. Funds allocated for energy projects are frequently siphoned off, leaving projects incomplete or poorly executed. A local expert pointed out: 

“The money is there, but it never reaches where it’s needed most. Corruption is so rampant that even basic maintenance of existing infrastructure is neglected.”

This mismanagement is exacerbated by the absence of local representation in decision-making processes. Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique constitutional status leaves it in a political limbo, with limited autonomy and no say in how its resources are utilized. The federal government’s top-down approach has resulted in policies that prioritize national interests over local needs. As a result, the region’s energy potential is exploited to power industries and cities in other parts of Pakistan, while its own residents suffer.

Another critical factor contributing to the power crisis is the undue influence of the military in the region’s affairs. The army’s involvement in infrastructure projects, including energy, often sidelines civilian authorities and local stakeholders. While the military’s role in maintaining security is acknowledged, its dominance in developmental projects has led to accusations of favoritism and lack of transparency.

Critics argue that the army’s focus on large-scale, high-visibility projects often comes at the expense of smaller, community-based initiatives that could provide immediate relief to the local population. 

“The army builds mega-dams, but what about the villages that still rely on kerosene lamps?” asked a local activist. 

This misplaced prioritization has left many communities without access to reliable electricity, further exacerbating the region’s energy woes.

The power crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan is also a reflection of the region’s financial constraints. Despite its strategic importance and resource wealth, Gilgit-Baltistan receives minimal financial support from the federal government. The region’s annual development budget is insufficient to address its infrastructure needs, let alone investing in sustainable energy solutions.

International donors and organizations have stepped in to fill the gap, but their efforts are often hampered by bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of coordination with local authorities. 

“We see foreign-funded projects, but they rarely align with our needs,” a local official lamented. 

This disconnect has resulted in wasted resources and missed opportunities to create a self-sustaining energy sector.

The power crisis has far-reaching consequences for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Prolonged power outages disrupt daily life, affecting education, healthcare, and economic activities. Students struggle to study in the dark, hospitals rely on unreliable generators, and businesses face mounting losses due to interrupted operations.

The lack of electricity also forces many households to rely on expensive and environmentally harmful alternatives, such as diesel generators and wood-fired stoves. This not only strains household budgets but also contributes to deforestation and air pollution. 

“We are paying the price for the government’s failures, both financially and environmentally,” a local resident said.

Addressing the power crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan requires a fundamental shift in approach. The Pakistani government must prioritize the region’s development by investing in sustainable energy projects, ensuring transparency in fund allocation, and empowering local authorities to take charge of their own affairs. Corruption must be tackled head-on, with strict accountability measures in place to prevent the misuse of resources.

Moreover, the government must recognize the importance of community-based initiatives that provide immediate relief to the local population. Small-scale hydroelectric projects, and microgrids can play a crucial role in bridging the energy gap while larger projects are developed.

International donors and organizations can also play a vital role by working closely with local stakeholders to design and implement projects that align with the region’s needs. However, their efforts must be complemented by a genuine commitment from the Pakistani government to address the root causes of the crisis.

The power crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan is a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect, corruption, and misplaced priorities. While the region’s natural resources are being exploited to power other parts of the country, its own residents are left to endure the darkness. The Pakistani government must take immediate and credible action to address this injustice, ensuring that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan can finally reap the benefits of their land’s abundance. Without a long-term vision and a commitment to sustainable development, the region’s potential will remain untapped, and its people will continue to suffer.

Nasir Khattak specializes in the China-Pakistan region, with a particular focus on the economic relations between the two countries.

Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.