Locals lament Pakistan’s control keeps PoGB underdeveloped and marginalized

Feb 11, 2026

Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan, 11 February 2026: - Decades of neglect have left the people of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan frustrated and disillusioned. Shafqat Inqalabi, a local politician, lamented that an imposed system prioritises control over development, denying locals real representation and basic rights. With grievances unheard, resentment—especially among the youth—continues to grow. Years of neglect in PoGB are evident in daily life - poor roads, limited healthcare, weak education and scarce jobs. Development remains largely on paper, forcing many young people to migrate in search of a future.