Criticism of Pakistan's Management of Environmental Disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan
Pak military exploits PoGB, fails to prevent disasters: Senge Sering

Image: Asianet Newsable
Senge Sering, president of the Institute for Gilgit-Baltistan Studies, has criticized Pakistan's military for exploiting natural resources in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) while neglecting local communities during climate-linked disasters. He highlights the ineffectiveness of the National Disaster Management Authority and the detrimental impact of China-linked infrastructure projects on the environment.
- 01Senge Sering claims the National Disaster Management Authority is ineffective due to military control over regional administration.
- 02He alleges that infrastructure projects with China are exacerbating environmental degradation and increasing flood risks.
- 03Funds meant for disaster management are reportedly being diverted, leaving local populations vulnerable during flood seasons.
- 04Sering points to deliberate neglect in repairing roads, leading to high food prices and shortages in remote areas.
- 05Residents are increasingly relying on volunteers to restore connectivity, while military control continues to dominate the region.
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Senge Sering, president of the Institute for Gilgit-Baltistan Studies, has sharply criticized the Pakistani military's management of environmental disasters in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). He claims that the military exploits the region's resources while failing to protect local communities from climate-related disasters. Sering highlights the ineffectiveness of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which has issued warnings about Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) but remains hampered by military control over regional governance. He alleges that large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those linked to China, are worsening environmental degradation and increasing the risk of floods. Furthermore, Sering accuses authorities of diverting funds intended for disaster management, leaving communities vulnerable during critical flood seasons. The neglect of infrastructure repair in areas like Diamer and Hunza has led to soaring food prices and shortages, forcing residents to rely on volunteers to restore connectivity. Sering calls for greater local autonomy, arguing that PoGB has the resources to sustain its economy and development, and warns that continued military dominance will exacerbate the region's economic and environmental challenges.
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The ongoing neglect of infrastructure and disaster management in PoGB directly affects local communities, leading to food shortages and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
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