The Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan is currently witnessing heightened political tensions, prompting various political factions to urge mass protests. The root cause of this uproar is the implementation of a "targeted subsidy" on wheat prices by the Gilgit-Baltistan government, which has left the populace dissatisfied.
This region, entangled in political ambiguity and intricately linked to the broader Kashmir conflict, has long grappled with a sense of dis-empowerment. Previously, the federal government in Islamabad provided highly subsidized wheat to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, due to financial constraints at the national level, Islamabad is phasing out this subsidy. Local authorities argue that this broad subsidy diverts funds away from essential development projects, with an annual allocation of approximately 10 billion rupees directed toward subsidized wheat.
The recent announcement by a cabinet member of the Gilgit-Baltistan regional government stated that only individuals falling below a specified income threshold would qualify for subsidized wheat.
A press release from the Gilgit-Baltistan government highlighted the cost differences, stating that a 40kg bag of wheat grain costs the government around 4,900 rupees, while imported wheat stands at approximately 6,200 rupees per bag. However, the public in Gilgit-Baltistan purchases a 40kg bag of wheat grain for nearly 1,100 rupees. The Information Department conveyed the challenges faced by the government in procuring sufficient wheat due to escalating costs.
In response, a notification specified that government officials above Basic Pay Scale 17 and holders of constitutional positions would no longer receive subsidized wheat. Furthermore, subsidized quotas for government departments, dignitaries, and special institutions have been revoked, requiring them to purchase wheat at prevailing market prices.
The Gilgit-Baltistan government asserts that these measures aim to reduce the demand for subsidized wheat, using the annual 9 billion rupees provided by Islamabad to procure and distribute sufficient wheat to deserving segments of society.
However, the decision has met staunch opposition from the Awami Action Committee, a coalition of civil society organizations and political parties, which has vowed mass protests unless the decision is reversed. Political leaders from opposition parties have also vehemently opposed this move.
Critics argue that Gilgit-Baltistan, with limited per capita landholding and as a disputed territory, faces challenges exacerbated by government land acquisitions, limiting future cultivation prospects. Additionally, a significant portion of the region's land is unsuitable for agriculture. With a lack of industries and opportunities, the majority of the population struggles in poverty, requiring affirmative action to sustain their families.
Some opponents argue that Pakistan is obliged to provide subsidized wheat to the region due to its lack of constitutional rights and the limited legislative powers of the regional government, citing political and constitutional disempowerment as grounds for the wheat subsidy.
The Awami Action Committee has a history of orchestrating mass mobilization against the withdrawal of wheat subsidies in the region, leading to prolonged strikes that compelled the federal government to reconsider its decision.
This committee, along with other
political and civil society entities, has reiterated their intent to
mobilize the masses against the recent decision. Whether this surge
of discontent will lead to another round of widespread protests
remains uncertain.
