Lawyers in Gilgit-Baltistan Protest Against Anti-Terrorism Act Targeting AAC Leaders
Several lawyers in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) are protesting against the inclusion of Awami Action Committee (AAC) leaders in the Schedule Four list of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The Gilgit-Baltistan High Court Bar Association has called this move a violation of Pakistan’s constitution and demanded the removal of AAC leaders, including Chairman Ehsan Ali Advocate, from the list.
Two other advocate bodies, the PoGB Gilgit Bar Association and the Hunza Bar Association, have also raised the same demand in separate press releases. They urged the government to stop restricting freedom of expression. Ashfaq Advocate, a lawyer from PoGB, stated that they would challenge the law in court if the names of AAC leaders are not removed.
The Anti-Terrorism Act gives special powers to the federal and provincial governments to combat terrorism. The AAC has been a strong voice for the rights of PoGB residents, organizing protests against issues like high electricity taxes, the revocation of wheat and flour subsidies, and severe underdevelopment in the region.
Recently, AAC representatives in the Taus region staged a protest against rising electricity bills. A local AAC leader criticized the local administration and political representatives for neglecting the issues faced by PoGB residents, accusing them of imposing heavy taxes and living luxurious lives at the expense of the public.
Doubts Revealed
Gilgit-Baltistan -: Gilgit-Baltistan is a region in the northern part of Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Anti-Terrorism Act -: The Anti-Terrorism Act is a law that is used to fight against terrorism. It has rules to catch and punish people who do bad things like bombings or attacks.
AAC -: AAC stands for Awami Action Committee. It is a group of people who work together to solve problems in their community, like high electricity taxes and lack of development.
Schedule Four list -: The Schedule Four list is a part of the Anti-Terrorism Act. It includes names of people who are watched closely because they might be involved in terrorism.
Gilgit-Baltistan High Court Bar Association -: The Gilgit-Baltistan High Court Bar Association is a group of lawyers who work in the high court of Gilgit-Baltistan. They help people with legal issues and fight for justice.
unconstitutional -: Unconstitutional means something that goes against the rules of the constitution, which is the main set of laws in a country.
legal action -: Legal action means using the law to solve a problem. It can include going to court to make sure the rules are followed.
