Foreign Tourists Join Askole Protest Over K2 Road Blockage, Power Outage in Braldo

A large number of foreign tourists visiting Pakistan’s K2 region were forced to join a protest alongside local residents due to worsening travel conditions and a week-long power outage in Braldo Valley. The protesters gathered in Askole, the gateway to K2, expressing frustration over the poor infrastructure and lack of government response.

Speaking to local media, one of the foreign tourists said, “We just need more electricity. Help them build a new road. Fix these problems — it’s so hard to get here and live here. All our support is with you. We hope you win this battle.”

The protest was triggered by ongoing hardships in the valley, where locals say they have been living without electricity for more than a week. Villages remain in darkness, and no officials have visited to resolve the issue. Protesters demanded immediate restoration of power and a long-term solution to avoid repeated blackouts. They also called for an end to corruption and the hiring of unqualified contractors for public projects.

The condition of the iconic K2 Road has also worsened, with major blockages at three points cutting off food supplies and emergency services. Locals described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, saying inflation has tripled compared to Skardu city and that patients cannot reach hospitals in time. Protesters demanded that at least 1% of the revenue generated by the K2 route be reinvested into its maintenance.

In addition, residents urged authorities to relocate and rebuild the Hoto Bridge, which has been closed for weeks and currently stands in a dangerously vulnerable location. They warned that temporary repairs would be a waste of public money and would not prevent future closures.

Locals emphasized that the situation in Upper Braldo has been worsening for decades due to government neglect.

They are now demanding urgent action from district officials and elected representatives before the valley plunges further into crisis.