Arrest of Religious Scholars and Denial of Rights to Dam-Affected People Reflects Government’s Malice: Action Committee

Gilgit Baltistan: Ehsan Ali Advocate, Chairman of the Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan, has condemned the arrest of religious scholars and the government’s refusal to grant rights to those affected by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, calling it a reflection of the government’s ill intentions.

In a statement, Ehsan Ali Advocate described the arrest of religious scholars in Baltistan as a shameful act. He paid tribute to the women and sisters of Baltistan for raising their voices in support of the scholars and staging sit-ins. He warned that if all scholars are not released immediately, protests will be called across Gilgit-Baltistan and throughout Pakistan.

Ehsan Ali Advocate highlighted that the people of Diamer have been staging sit-ins for the past three weeks to demand their rights. When a march from across Gilgit-Baltistan toward Diamer was announced, the government panicked and formed committees for negotiations. However, the demands of the Diamer residents have not been accepted, and attempts are being made to delay the process under the guise of talks, which exposes the ill intentions of the government and WAPDA.

“If the scholars of Diamer give the order, the entire Gilgit-Baltistan will march toward Diamer,” he said.

Concerns Over Sost Border Restrictions

Ehsan Ali Advocate also criticized the government for imposing further restrictions and difficulties on local traders at the Sost border, calling it a plan to completely displace traders and create unemployment among the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan. He stated that this is unacceptable.

“Our clear stance is that Gilgit-Baltistan is a tax-free zone, and this border belongs to Gilgit-Baltistan. We do not support imposing even a single rupee in taxes on local traders of Gilgit-Baltistan,” he said.

He assured that the Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan, in consultation with all stakeholders, trader associations, and businessmen, will respond to this injustice with full public force.

Background

The ongoing protests in Diamer and the arrest of religious scholars have intensified tensions in the region. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam project has long been a source of contention, with local communities demanding fair compensation, employment opportunities, and the resolution of grievances. The government’s handling of the situation has drawn widespread criticism, with accusations of delaying tactics and insincerity in addressing the concerns of the affected people.

The situation at the Sost border, a vital trade route between Pakistan and China, has further exacerbated frustrations among local traders and residents, who see the new restrictions as an attack on their livelihoods.

The Gilgit Baltistan Awami Action Committee’s strong stance reflects the growing unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan, with calls for unity and resistance against perceived injustices.

(This report is based on local sources and statements from the Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan.)