More than 6,000 Punjab Police personnel arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to assist with security arrangements for the upcoming general elections scheduled for Sunday, June 7. The deployment comes after a four-month delay caused by harsh winter weather, during which political parties including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) held various rallies across the region.
However, before the official polling begins, videos and photographs have surfaced online showing police personnel entering and taking fruit from private cherry orchards in Hunza.
The footage triggered a debate on social media regarding boundaries, professional conduct, and regional friction.
Some local residents and observers expressed anger over the lack of respect. One user commented, “Uniform doesn’t give anyone the right to take what belongs to locals. A little courtesy and permission go a long way”.
Another individual stated, “I am a Punjabi I am disgusted by the actions of my people! When will people of Punjab learn some self control and respect? Zero civic sense!”
Other users questioned the logistical decision of the deployment itself, with one asking, “So instead of sending forces from the nearest province KPK they decided to send from Punjab?”
Another comment raised broader governance questions: “At first place, why the hell are they even here? When GB already has its own security forces, GB Police, GB Scouts, and NLI”.
Conversely, several commentators urged people not to view the incident through an ethnic lens. One user noted, “Absolutely wrong what they are doing but please don’t make it an ethnic issue”. Another defender wrote, “If they picked a few cherries, they should be politely informed about local customs instead of mocking the whole Punjab. Punjab sends a huge number of tourists and visitors to Gilgit-Baltistan every year, contributing significantly to the local economy”.
Amidst the arguments, local residents have publicly requested that all incoming visitors and security personnel speak to orchard owners before picking or consuming cherries from private gardens, asking outsiders to show respect for local property, traditions, and livelihood.
