SKARDU: Locals in Chilas region of Gilgit-Baltistan ended their protest and reopened the Babusar road for traffic after striking an agreement with the local administration over their demands.
Late on Friday, the senior GB Minister Abaid ullah Baig was on his way to Gilgit from Islamabad when he found himself and dozens of other tourists stuck due to a road blockade set up by locals on one of the major arteries linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit-Baltistan, pressing authorities for the release of their accomplices from jail who were locally known as “Asseran-e-Diamer” (prisoners of Diamer).
Abaid ullah Baig is a PTI lawmaker and was elected from Hunza 6 on a PTI ticket.
The blockade and protest by locals triggered rumors that the Taliban had taken the GB minister and others as hostages, sending waves of panic and fear among dozens of other tourists stranded on the road.
Speaking to Abaid ullah Baig, former GB government spokesman Faizullah told the media that negotiations were underway to end the road blockade and allow passage for Baig and other people stuck on the road.
Both political leaders as well as officials of the local GB administration including Deputy Commissioner Diamer Fayyaz Ahmed approached the protesters and assured them that the higher authorities would actively look into their demands.
Turning to social media, Senior GB Minister for Industries and Commerce, Col (R) Abaidullah Baig dispelled reports and rumors about militants taking him and others as hostages.
He wrote that locals had blocked Babusar Road in Thak village area and registered their protest, demanding the release of ‘Diamer prisoners’. He further wrote that people had to wait for hours as the negotiating team took hours to reach the site.
After successful negotiations, the road blockade was removed and everyone moved forward for their destinations, he concluded.
