Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi reassured the public on Sunday that the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan was entirely peaceful.
He denounced as baseless the speculative news surrounding the deployment of the Pakistan Army in the region.
His statement comes in the wake of ongoing tensions, which prompted the Gilgit-Baltistan government to requisition the services of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces to maintain law and order during the upcoming Chehlum of Imam Hussain.
The GB Home Department clarified, “All roads, trade centers, business activities, and educational institutions in Gilgit-Baltistan are open as usual.”
Minister Solangi emphasized that the army’s presence was solely to ensure security during the religious procession and safeguard Imambargahs and procession routes, following established practices.
Section 144 of the CrPC 1898 has been imposed throughout the region to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and prevent any untoward incidents.
However, amidst the peaceful environment, mobile internet services across Gilgit-Baltistan have been suspended indefinitely.
On September 2nd, the Gilgit-Baltistan government issued a directive to transport companies, instructing them to ensure that all public and private vehicles on the Karakoram Highway bound for Rawalpindi/Islamabad reach the Raikot bridge by 11 a.m.
Furthermore, the letter emphasized the need for private security guards with licensed weapons to accompany buses and vans, ensuring passenger security.
The unrest began on September 1st when demonstrations, organized by Anjuman-i-Imamia, were held in Gilgit and its environs. The protests followed allegations of derogatory remarks made by prominent cleric Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed during a demonstration. Demonstrators demanded action against the cleric, leading to the registration of FIRs against both Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed and Agha Baqir Al-Hussaini in Gilgit and Skardu, respectively.
Protests soon spread across the region, with demonstrators in Chilas, Diamer, blocking the Karakoram Highway and Babusar Pass road for three days, demanding Agha Baqir’s arrest.
Astore and Gilgit also witnessed demonstrations until a case was registered against Agha Baqir. However, these actions prompted a backlash from his supporters, resulting in a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike in Skardu and road blockades in Juglot-Skardu.
The government responded by suspending two police personnel and a schoolteacher for sharing sectarian posts on social media. Over 12 individuals were apprehended for posting controversial content.
