Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a region abundant in water resources, is grappling with a severe electricity crisis that disrupts social and civic life. Families, students, and businesses face significant hardships due to frequent power outages. This issue is more than a mere inconvenience; it has evolved into a chronic crisis, compelling residents to protest in harsh weather conditions. The situation demands urgent intervention from authorities at the highest levels.
In the 21st century, seeing children forced to study by candlelight is disheartening because their families cannot afford alternatives like solar panels, generators, or other reliable electricity sources. Many residents, already weighed down by limited resources, lack the means to relocate to cities with better power supply and educational facilities. Consequently, their children’s education is severely impacted, as students struggle to study in the dark, unable to utilize modern learning tools or access online resources that could enhance their educational experience.
The challenges faced by businesses in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) are equally alarming. Entrepreneurs and shop owners, heavily reliant on electricity for their operations, experience constant disruptions due to frequent power outages. These interruptions result in lost customers, reduced revenue, and diminished productivity, hampering the growth of local enterprises and the region’s economy. Without a reliable power supply, businesses are unable to meet customer demands or maintain a competitive edge, further exacerbating economic instability in the area.
The lack of reliable electricity is severely impacting the mental and emotional well-being of Gilgit-Baltistan’s residents. Families struggle with basic daily tasks, such as ironing clothes, heating their homes, and maintaining a semblance of normalcy—tasks that are taken for granted in regions with consistent power supply. This constant uncertainty fosters anxiety and frustration, particularly among the most vulnerable populations who lack the resources to invest in alternative energy solutions.
Given Gilgit-Baltistan’s immense potential for renewable energy, particularly its abundant hydropower resources, there is no justification for the ongoing electricity crisis. With effective policies and strategic investments in infrastructure, GB could resolve its energy challenges and provide reliable power to every household. Expanding solar energy initiatives and ensuring the equitable distribution of electricity to underserved areas could significantly improve the situation. Additionally, offering subsidies or financial assistance to low-income households for alternative energy solutions would help alleviate the economic strain on those most affected, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive energy future.
This electricity crisis is more than an infrastructure problem—it is a matter of dignity, opportunity, and hope. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve access to the same basic services that others in Pakistan take for granted. It is time to restore power and enable the residents of GB to live without the constant fear of darkness. Tackling this challenge is not just about resolving an energy issue. It is about unlocking the region’s potential and ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
Some steps to address the power crisis
Tackling the chronic power crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on short-term relief and long-term sustainability. The key measures include:
— Harnessing renewable energy potential by constructing small, medium, and large hydropower projects is imperative to address the crisis.
— Solar power systems and wind energy projects may be introduced in areas with suitable climatic conditions to supplement the grid.
— The current obsolete transmission and distribution network needs to be upgraded and expanded to minimise power losses.
— Public awareness campaigns should be launched for energy conservation and the use of energy-efficient technologies and subsidising energy-saving appliances should be promoted.
— Localised, and community-based energy solutions may be introduced for remote valleys.
— The revenue generated from hospitality and GB’s booming tourism sector may be used to fund energy projects.
— Steps should be taken to promote eco-friendly initiatives, such as solar-powered tourist facilities, to reduce stress on the grid.
— The capacity of manpower in Water and Power Department needs to be enhanced to manage and maintain projects effectively.
— The possibilities of importing electricity from China and Tajikistan may be explored.
By combining these measures, Gilgit-Baltistan can move toward a sustainable energy future, improving quality of life and fostering economic growth.
Roheena Ali Shah is a gender expert and scholar from Gilgit-Baltistan. She contributes essays on social issues to the High Asia Herald, regularly.
2 thoughts on “Powering up Gilgit-Baltistan: a clarion call to end energy crisis”
Insightful analysis 👏
Very valuable suggestions, knowing the potential areas of hydro especially and small grids sys. with concept of regional and local area energy consumption peak and low, medium consumption, with transfer or injection in other local and districts demands.
Wind and solar potential areas identification, with maximum and minimum wind turbines and photo voltaic cells capacity, tech. Analysis is first required/ requirements of our time.