Protesters Block Karakoram Highway Over Diamer-Bhasha Dam Rights
Synopsis
In a significant demonstration, residents in Diamer block the Karakoram Highway demanding rights for those impacted by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. Travelers are stranded, and a long march threatens if their issues remain unresolved.
Key Takeaways
Protesters block Karakoram Highway in Diamer district.
Demands focus on rights of land-affected individuals regarding the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.
Threat of a long march if grievances are not addressed.
Significant traffic disruptions have left thousands stranded .
Protests arise from unfulfilled agreements with the government.
Islamabad, April 6 (NationPress) Residents obstructed the Karakoram Highway (KKH) at multiple sites within the Diamer district of Pakistan-administered Gilgit Baltistan. They are advocating for the rights of individuals impacted by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and threatened a prolonged march to the dam's construction site if their grievances are not addressed. Numerous travelers from various regions of Pakistan to PoGB found themselves stranded due to the protest.
The committee representing those affected by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, part of the 'Huqooq Do, Dam Banao' (Ensure Rights, Then Build the Dam) initiative, has been conducting a sit-in demonstration in the Chilas and Thore areas of Diamer for the past five days. This protest arose from the failure to implement a 2025 agreement between the protesters and the federal government, as reported by Pakistan’s prominent daily, Dawn.
On Sunday, the organizers announced a protest in Thore valley. They indicated that participants from Goharabad, Chilas, Goner Farm, and other regions of Diamer were en route to Thore valley to join the demonstrations.
However, law enforcement halted access to the Karakoram Highway in the Ghichi and Hudor regions to prevent further movement towards Thore.
Protesters blocked KKH at various intervals, with a significant number of demonstrators in Thore valley staging a sit-in. Thousands of travelers attempting to reach or leave PoGB faced delays, with extensive lines of vehicles on the highway.
Speaking to the crowd in Thore, chief organizer Maulana Hazratullah stated, "If our groups from other areas are denied access to Thore immediately, we will be compelled to advance towards the dam site and Thore colony."
He attributed the situation to the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) officials, labeling them as the primary obstacle to the agreement's enforcement between the government and the protesters, as reported by Dawn.
According to the protesters, the sit-in will continue until authorities concede to their demands. They claim that Wapda officials had agreed last year to resolve all matters but have failed to implement any aspect of the agreement after over a year. They also allege that Wapda has not fulfilled their basic demand for the regularization of local contingent and contractual workers.
Point of View
Highlighting a critical issue of rights versus development in the region.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the residents protesting?
Residents are protesting to demand their rights as individuals impacted by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, citing unfulfilled agreements with the government.
What impact is the protest having?
The protest has led to significant traffic disruptions on the Karakoram Highway, stranding thousands of travelers.
What is the 'Huqooq Do, Dam Banao' movement?
The 'Huqooq Do, Dam Banao' movement aims to ensure that the rights of those affected by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam are addressed before construction proceeds.
What demands are the protesters making?
Protesters are demanding the implementation of agreements made with the government regarding their rights and the regularization of local employment.
What actions might the protesters take next?
If their demands are not met, the protesters have threatened to march towards the dam site and Thore colony.
