Gilgit, March 25 -- Residents of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan are grappling with rising inflation, with many alleging that policies imposed by Islamabad have intensified their daily hardships without offering any meaningful relief.

A recent surge in fuel prices has triggered a sharp increase in transportation costs across the region, creating a ripple effect on the prices of essential commodities. From food items to basic household needs, the rising costs have significantly strained the finances of ordinary citizens in what locals describe as an already marginalised region.

People in the region claim that economic decisions are being imposed without considering the ground realities. They allege that additional taxes and rising fue...