In Pakistan, the critical trade route with China remained blocked for the fifth day yesterday as thousands of people continued their protests over prolonged power outages in the mountainous region of Pakistan-Occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. The organisers of the sit-in demonstration in Hunza city 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 in extreme cold weather.