Chilas: The protest in Chilas over the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project intensified on Wednesday as demonstrators stormed the offices of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and private construction firms, ordering officials to halt operations and vacate the premises before locking the buildings.
The protesters, who have been staging a sit-in for 18 days, warned that construction would remain suspended until their demands were fully met. The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government has urged the federal authorities to resolve the matter swiftly to prevent further escalation.
Speaking at a press conference, Hazratullah, leader of the protest movement, criticized the delay in addressing their concerns. He stated that the committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to handle the grievances of those affected by the dam—headed by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GB, Amir Muqam—held discussions in Islamabad on February 26.
The government had agreed to negotiations with representatives of the protest movement, and based on this assurance, the protesters formed a committee. However, federal authorities later stated that their delegation would only visit Chilas once the weather improved.
Hazratullah pointed out that despite favorable weather conditions and the protesters fulfilling their commitment to forming a representative committee, no federal officials had arrived for talks. He accused WAPDA and government representatives of ignoring the issue while protesters remained on the streets.
Until the federal committee arrives and negotiations begin, WAPDA and construction firms working on the dam have been ordered to suspend operations. He warned that continued delays could lead to serious consequences.
Meanwhile, GB Home Minister Shams Loan urged the federal government to take the matter seriously and send the committee to Chilas as soon as possible to resolve the issues surrounding the dam.