Gilgit-Baltistan Awami Action Committee Chairman, Ehsan Advocate, has strongly condemned the enforced disappearances of religious scholars in Baltistan, calling it an act of state terrorism. He stated that Gilgit-Baltistan is not Balochistan, where individuals can be forcibly disappeared at will without consequences.
He praised the courageous women of Baltistan who have raised a strong voice for the missing scholars and are staging a sit-in for justice. He warned that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will never accept such acts of oppression. If the missing scholars are not released immediately, protests will be launched not only across Gilgit-Baltistan but also throughout Pakistan. He emphasized that if anyone has committed a crime, they should be tried according to the law, but extrajudicial abductions will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Diamer Sit-in and Government’s Insincerity
For the past three weeks, the people of Diamer have been protesting for their rights, yet the government remains indifferent. However, when a call for a mass march towards Diamer was made from across Gilgit-Baltistan, the authorities panicked and hastily formed negotiation committees. Despite these efforts, the demands of the people of Diamer have not been met, and it is evident that the government and WAPDA are using negotiations as a delay tactic. Thousands of people are enduring harsh weather conditions and fasting while protesting on the streets. The patience of the people should not be tested further. If the religious leaders of Diamer issue a directive, the entire population of Gilgit-Baltistan will march towards Diamer, and the rulers will be swept away by a wave of public outrage.
In a significant development, members of the Diamer Dam Committee, led by Maulana Hazratullah, have locked the offices of the companies working on the dam. The Awami Action Committee fully supports this move by the Diamer Dam affectees.
چلاس دیامر بھاشا ڈیم اپڈیٹ۔
— Roshan Din Diameri (@Rohshan_Din) March 5, 2025
حقوق دو ڈیم بناو تحریکی ریلی نے واپڈا افس اور میں حسنات بیس کیمپ آفس پر تالہ بندی کر دئیے۔!!!@voaurdu @BBCUrdu @arabnews @AlJazeera pic.twitter.com/ll8XLNbxjs
Sost Border Crisis and Unemployment Conspiracy
Additionally, increasing restrictions and hardships are being imposed on local traders at the Sost border, with an apparent plan to completely displace them. The National Logistics Cell (NLC) has taken control of the Sost border, which is seen as a deliberate attempt to render the people and youth of Gilgit-Baltistan unemployed. This move is unacceptable.
The Awami Action Committee firmly reiterates that Gilgit-Baltistan is a tax-free zone, and the Sost border rightfully belongs to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Imposing any form of taxation on local traders is unjust. In consultation with all stakeholders, including trade associations and local businesses, the Awami Action Committee will respond to this oppression with full public force.
