Why Are Residents of Harban Blocking the Karakoram Highway?
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Synopsis
Residents of Harban in Upper Kohistan have been blocking the Karakoram Highway for over a week, demanding fair compensation for land taken for the Diamer-Basha Dam project. This protest has resulted in severe shortages and increased prices, leaving hundreds stranded. Will the authorities respond to their urgent demands?
Key Takeaways
- Residents of Harban are protesting for fair compensation.
- The blockade has caused severe shortages of food and medicine.
- Authorities have acknowledged the owed compensation but have delayed payments.
- The protest continues as community members demand urgent action.
- The situation is affecting the local economy significantly.
Islamabad, Sep 14 (NationPress) Hundreds of individuals are currently stranded as residents of Harban in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Upper Kohistan persist in obstructing the Karakoram Highway (KKH) for the seventh day in a row, demanding prompt and enhanced compensation for land appropriated for the Diamer-Basha Dam project, as per local media reports.
The sit-in near Harban Nallah has disrupted the primary route connecting Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan with the rest of Pakistan, resulting in severe shortages of food and medicine, while leaving hundreds of trucks loaded with goods immobilized.
Protesters have accused WAPDA and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa administration of failing to fulfill their promises regarding compensation payments, according to a report from the prominent Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune.
One demonstrator stated, "Our land was taken, the rates were unfair, and the payments have been delayed for years."
Officials from the Kohistan administration and WAPDA confirmed that approximately Rs 3 billion is owed in total, with nearly Rs 2 billion already transferred to the deputy commissioner's account.
They asserted that the remaining funds will be disbursed once legal procedures are finalized. However, protesters have dismissed any further delays.
The extended blockade has led to increased prices of essential vegetables like onions and tomatoes, while transport rerouted through the Babusar Pass is charging exorbitant fares, exacerbating inflation in an already vulnerable local economy, according to local media reports.
Traders and transporters report significant losses with each passing day.
Civil society organizations have criticized the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government's silence, questioning the state's ability to address the ongoing crisis.
Protesters have pledged to maintain the sit-in until their demands are satisfied, while residents and traders are calling on federal and provincial authorities to intervene, negotiate, and restore traffic on this crucial highway.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the legitimate grievances of the Harban residents while also emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to infrastructure development and community welfare. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government must engage with the protesters to reach a fair resolution, ensuring that both the citizens' rights and the nation's developmental goals are respected.
NationPress
14/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the protest?
Residents are protesting for fair compensation for land acquired for the Diamer-Basha Dam project, as previous commitments have not been honored.
How long has the highway been blocked?
The Karakoram Highway has been blocked for over seven days.
What impact has the blockade had?
The blockade has led to shortages of essential goods, increased prices, and has left hundreds of trucks stranded.
What are the authorities saying about the compensation?
Officials have acknowledged the owed amount but claim that the remaining funds will be released after legal formalities are completed.
What are the protesters demanding?
Protesters are demanding immediate and fair compensation for their land without further delays.
