GILGIT: Protests aga-inst the increase in subsidised wheat rates entered their 14th day on Tuesday, with scores of people blocking main roads in the region despite freezing temperatures.

       Meanwhile, opposition members in the GB Assembly have submitted a requisition for a session to discuss the region’s financial and wheat crises.

       The Awami Action Committee, an alliance of various political and religious parties in the region, gave the call for protests against the decision to increase the subsidised wheat rate from Rs20 to Rs36 per kilogram and other issues.

       Demonstrations were recorded in all ten districts of GB, with protesters vowing to continue sit-ins till the acceptance of their demands.

       In the Khomar area of Gilgit, local women bloc-ked Shahrah-i-Quaid-i-Azam to protest against flour sho--rtage.

       They accused the food department of decr-e-asing the subsidised wheat quota for households.

       One protester alleged that only 20kg of flour was being provided per family, which was not enough for even a month.

       She said it was a “double injustice” to cut the flour quota and increase the subsidised wheat rate.

       A demonstration was also organised in the Jutial area of Gilgit, with protesters blocking a road and chanting slogans against the government.

       GB assembly session

       In the GB Assembly, Opposition Leader Kazim Mesum and other members submitted a requisition for convening a session to discuss the financial crisis and subsidised wheat rate hike.

       The requisition, signed by 10 opposition parties’ members, requested the GB Assembly speaker to con--vene the session on Jan 11.

       Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2024