Aftermath: Water crisis in violence-hit Gilgit

“We are waiting for an interval in the curfew so we can purchase food items,” said a resident

GILGIT: Most areas of Gilgit have been hit by a water crisis ever since a curfew was imposed in the city. Water supply remained suspended for the third consecutive day on Thursday, while officials of water and power department have been unable to deal with the issue as they are stuck indoors. “We have had no water in our house for the past three days,” said Saeed Ahmed, a resident of Kashrote. In addition to that, media persons are also suffering due to the curfew and suspension of cell phone services as they cannot contact officials. Meanwhile, reports of food shortages have also surfaced in Gilgit-Baltistan; especially in the violence-hit areas. “We are waiting for an interval in the curfew so we can purchase food items,” said another resident requesting that his name be withheld.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2012.