Hunza locals furious after Punjab Police caught picking cherries from private orchards

A video emerging from Hunza has sparked widespread outrage after Punjab Police personnel deployed in Gilgit-Baltistan were allegedly seen entering private cherry orchards and picking fruit without permission.

More than 6,000 Punjab Police officers were deployed to the region ahead of the general elections scheduled for June 7, following delays caused by harsh winter conditions. While the deployment was meant to assist with security arrangements, attention has now shifted to viral footage circulating online.

The clips show officers inside private orchards, prompting anger from locals who say basic permission and respect for private property were not observed.

Social media users reacted strongly to the incident. One user wrote, “Uniform doesn’t give anyone the right to take what belongs to locals. A little courtesy and permission go a long way.”

Another user expressed anger over the behaviour of the personnel, saying, “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!”

Questions were also raised about deployment logistics, with one user commenting, “So instead of sending forces from the nearest province KPK they decided to send from Punjab?”

Another user questioned the necessity of the deployment altogether, stating, “At first place, why the hell are they even here? When GB already has its own security forces, GB Police, GB Scouts, and NLI”.

However, some users urged caution against turning the incident into an ethnic issue. One comment read, “Absolutely wrong what they are doing but please don’t make it an ethnic issue”.

Another added a more balanced perspective, saying, “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”.

Amid growing backlash, Hunza residents have called for clear respect for local norms, urging all visitors and deployed personnel to seek permission before entering orchards or taking fruit from private land.

In a separate video, Iman Shah also raised concerns, alleging that some personnel were seen moving through residential areas without uniforms and disturbing household privacy. He warned that any violation of home sanctity would make the deployed force responsible for consequences.

The incident continues to spark debate online over conduct, respect for local customs, and broader sensitivities surrounding the deployment.