AWP calls for end to colonial system, empowered constituent assembly in G-B

GILGIT: The Awami Workers Party (AWP) Gilgit-Baltistan chapter has demanded the establishment of an empowered constitutional assembly in Gilgit-Baltistan under the United Nations resolutions and with full powers to govern the region.

The AWP Gilgit-Baltistan chapter’s first congress and intra-party elections were held on June 2 in Gilgit, where central officials and members of the central national committee for the next three years were selected.

Addressing the congress, the newly elected President Comrade Baba Jan highlighted the plight of the oppressed people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He criticized the seizure of land under the guise of Khalsa sarkar and green tourism, and lamented the absence of basic political and democratic rights in the region.

Baba Jan called for a constituent assembly to protect the region’s minerals, resources, and lands. He condemned the systemic oppression in Pakistan, particularly against the Baloch, Pathans and people of Kashmir.

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Senior leader Comrade Farman Ali emphasized the party’s commitment to social equality, gender equality, and justice-based society, noting the inclusion of a 33 percent women’s quota in the party manifesto.

 The newly elected General Secretary Sher Nadir Shahi spoke about the entrenched problems of Gilgit-Baltistan and affirmed the party’s stance on protecting the region’s natural resources from corporate exploitation.

He assured the commitment to preserving the national identity and security of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Newly elected spokespersons Zahoor Elahi, Akhoon Bai, Rizwan Baig, Abdul Majeed, Azharuddin, and others reiterated their dedication to the struggle for basic political rights, noting that many comrades had remained behind bars for years without retreating from their ideology.

Following discussions on the political, constitutional, and national status of Gilgit-Baltistan, the congress passed several resolutions, which said:

Commitment to Rights and Identity

The newly elected leadership expressed their commitment to achieving the national identity, constitutional, democratic, and economic rights of the region in accordance with the party’s manifesto and constitution. They vowed to intensify their struggle for a socialist society in Gilgit-Baltistan.

End Colonial System

The congress called for an end to the colonial system imposed on Gilgit-Baltistan for the past 76 years and demanded the establishment of an empowered local authority, a people’s democratic system, a Constituent Assembly, and an independent judiciary, in line with United Nations resolutions.

Environmental Protection

Recognizing Gilgit-Baltistan as an ecologically unique region with high mountain ranges, glaciers, endangered wildlife, and vital rivers, it demanded immediate steps from the Pakistani government to ensure peace and environmental protection.

Address Demographic Changes

The AWP highlighted the severe threats and pressures resulting from demographic changes, the lack of employment, education, and basic health facilities, and the resulting forced migration of locals. The congress demanded the restoration of state-subject rule/law and the formation of an empowered constituent assembly to protect the local population.

Prevent Youth Migration

The congress called for the establishment of professional and higher educational institutions, industries, and modern health facilities to prevent the migration of youth from Gilgit-Baltistan.

Restore Local Government

The AWP advocated for the restoration of the local government system, suspended for the last 15 years, with full administrative and financial powers, making the bureaucracy accountable and submissive to local authorities.

Cancel Exploitative Agreements

The AWP expressed deep concern over the exploitation of natural resources in the name of development and tourism, demanding the cancellation of all mineral mining leases and the recent agreement with Green Tourism.

Legislation Against Crimes

They called for immediate legislation and implementation to prevent increasing sexual and cyber crimes against women and children.

Compensation for Dam Victims

The congress demanded rehabilitation and compensation for the victims of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.

Release Political Prisoners

The congress demanded the immediate release of Awami Action Committee leader Numbardar Javed and the cessation of baseless cases against political workers of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.

Support Student Leaders

The AWP condemned the dismissal of student leaders who peacefully protested against fee hikes and other issues at Karakoram University. Expelling student leaders from Karakoram University for peacefully protesting fee hikes and other issues is condemnable. The cases against the student leaders should be dropped, and they should be allowed to continue their education