Islamabad, Jan 8 || Pakistan's critical trade route with China remained blocked for the fifth day on Tuesday as thousands of people continued their protests over chronic and prolonged power outages in the mountainous region of Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, media reported.
The organisers of the sit-in demonstration in Hunza, a picturesque city with a population of more than 70,000 in Gilgit Baltistan, have vowed to continue protesting until their demands are met.
Rally leaders emphasised the town's persistent inadequate power supply, noting that residents endure up to 23-hour electricity outages amid a harsh winter season.
Both men and women participated in the protest, braving average daytime temperatures of -4 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius, as reported by rally participants to a media outlet via phone.
Rahim Aman, a Hunza resident, reported a gradual and substantial increase in protesters, saying female activists were seen using vehicles and loudspeakers to encourage participation in the rally.
He said representatives of local political parties, traders and hotel associations were also present.