Karachi/Gilgit (Special Correspondent) —
A peaceful protest held by student organizations from Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Gilgit-Baltistan region in front of the Karachi Press Club turned into a scene of chaos after a sudden police crackdown led to the arrest of dozens of demonstrators. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation across the region, with civil society, political observers, and student groups calling it a blatant violation of democratic and human rights.
The protesting students—representing groups such as the Baltistan Students Federation, Nagar Students Organization, Bagrote Students Organization, Balawaristan National Students Organization, Balawaristan National Front, Karakoram Students Organization, and National Students Federation—had gathered to demand the release of political prisoners, constitutional identity for Gilgit-Baltistan, and educational reforms.
Among the names mentioned in their demands were several detained activists including Advocate Ehsan, Wahid Hassan, Irfan Azad, Asghar Shah, Masood ur Rehman, and Mahboob.
Allegations of Excessive Force and Suppression
Eyewitnesses and protest participants told VOIthat the demonstration was entirely peaceful until police forces suddenly launched a sweeping crackdown, detaining numerous students without prior warning.
“We were peacefully raising our voices for our basic rights—political freedom, access to education, and ownership over our resources. Instead, we were met with force and arrests,” said one protester.
The arrests have sent shockwaves throughout Gilgit-Baltistan, where many are viewing this as part of a broader pattern of state suppression targeting voices critical of Islamabad’s policies in the region.
Public Outrage and Political Repercussions
The crackdown has been met with sharp criticism from civil society, rights groups, and political observers across Gilgit-Baltistan. Many have called it a violation of democratic norms and an attempt to silence youth-led dissent.
Public anger has particularly been directed at the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which governs Sindh province, with many accusing the party of acting in tandem with the establishment.
“This action has unmasked the authoritarian mindset of the PPP. They are now acting as tools of the establishment and using state power to silence the people of Gilgit-Baltistan,” said a youth leader in Gilgit.
Election Backlash Brewing
In reaction to the incident, several local voices have announced their intent to hold PPP accountable in the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan general elections in 2025.
Political analysts warn that this crackdown may seriously damage the PPP’s standing in the region, where it has traditionally maintained a support base.
“This is no longer just about students—it’s about dignity, democracy, and the right of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to be heard,” said one political observer.
Demands and Call for Action
The protesting groups and community leaders have issued three major demands:
- Immediate and unconditional releaseof all arrested students;
- Independent inquiry into the police crackdown by a neutral, high-level commission;
- Concrete steps toward constitutional, political, and economic autonomy for Gilgit-Baltistan.
Human rights organizations have also called on Pakistan’s national institutions and international observers to take note of the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly in the region.