Protest in Gilgit-Baltistan Against Misuse of Anti-Terrorism and Cybercrime Laws
In Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), the Awami Action Committee held a protest rally on Monday against the misuse of anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws. They argued that these laws are being used by the government to suppress dissent and silence voices opposing injustices in the region, thereby restricting freedom of expression.
The rally was led by PoGB Awami Action Committee Chairman Ehsan Ali, Baltistan Division President Najaf Ali, senior leader Baba Jan, and Mumtaz Nagri. Attendees marched along River View Road and assembled at the central press club of PoGB.
The protesters claimed that false cases have been filed against political workers and PoGB Awami Action Committee office-bearers under the Anti-Terrorism Act and cybercrime laws to silence their advocacy for local rights. They asserted that coercive measures against political activists will not be tolerated, and they will continue to exercise their right to freedom of speech.
Najaf Ali, the president of the Awami Action Committee Baltistan Division, stated that they have been demanding basic rights for local people, including uninterrupted electricity and ownership of local lands. He further claimed that instead of addressing public issues, the Federal Investigation Agency has started filing false cases against local residents.
The speakers highlighted that local body elections have not been held in the area for the past two decades, and issues such as land grabbing and the issuance of mineral exploration licenses to outsiders continue. The protesters also passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of cybercrime notices issued to political activists and the dismissal of unjust cases filed against the office-bearers of the GB Awami Action Committee.
Gilgit-Baltistan faces significant security challenges, including sporadic violence and clashes between local groups and authorities, exacerbated by political instability and extremist elements. Local conflicts often stem from disputes over political representation, land rights, and resource allocation, while political instability undermines effective governance.
Doubts Revealed
Gilgit-Baltistan -: Gilgit-Baltistan is a region in the northern part of Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Awami Action Committee -: The Awami Action Committee is a group of people who come together to fight for the rights of the common people in their area.
anti-terrorism laws -: Anti-terrorism laws are rules made by the government to stop people from doing bad things like causing harm or fear to others.
cybercrime laws -: Cybercrime laws are rules to stop people from doing bad things on the internet, like hacking or stealing information.
Chairman Ehsan Ali -: Chairman Ehsan Ali is the leader of the Awami Action Committee. He helps guide the group in their activities and protests.
dissent -: Dissent means to disagree with something, especially with the government or people in power.
freedom of expression -: Freedom of expression means being able to say what you think and feel without being punished.
uninterrupted electricity -: Uninterrupted electricity means having a steady supply of electricity without any power cuts.
land ownership -: Land ownership means having legal rights to own and use a piece of land.
political activists -: Political activists are people who work to bring about political or social change, often by organizing protests or speaking out.