Outcry as FIA issues cybercrime notices to G-B political activists

GILGIT: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Circle in Gilgit Baltistan has summoned “30 to 35” activists from the region, accusing them of cyber terrorism and posting anti-state material on social media platforms.

Among those served with notices are prominent political figures, including Sher Nadir Shahi, General Secretary of the Awami Workers Party (AWP) Gilgit Baltistan, and Javed Numbardar, General Secretary of the Awami Action Committee, along with activists Muhammad Taqi Azad, Abrar Bagoro, and several others.

The activists have been directed to appear before the FIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre on Wednesday, bringing their mobile phones and original CNICs. The notices, citing Section 10 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, allege that the activists used their personal social media accounts and phone numbers registered in their names to commit “cyber terrorism and posted anti-state material”.

The FIA has warned that failure to appear in response to the notices will be interpreted as a lack of defence, potentially leading to further legal proceedings.

Ahsan Ali advocate, Chairman of the Awami Action Committee — an alliance of several parties advocating for regional rights — expressed concern over the FIA summons.

He questioned the application of such laws on a “disputed region” without local consent, criticizing the G-B government’s role in adopting these laws without proper discussion in the regional assembly. He condemned the serving of notices to activists as a form of harassment.

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Ahsan stated that Pakistan gained control over Gilgit-Baltistan under United Nations resolutions, which explicitly note that Pakistan would manage defence matters while the rest of the governance would be handled by the local authority/government. However, he said, the local government consistently seems to prioritize the interests of the central authorities without raising any objections.

When contacted for comment, FIA Cybercrime Investigation Officer Jawad Khan explained that Article 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) empowers an investigation officer to summon anyone required for an inquiry, including complainants and witnesses.

Khan noted that the activists had been summoned to clarify their position regarding the allegations, but emphasized that no FIR has been registered yet.

Regarding the number of activists served with notices, Khan stated that it is a confidential matter between the FIA and the alleged accused, and sharing it with the media or on social media is against the law.

“The activists who have shared it on social media to gain public sympathy have also violated the law, and if this creates a law-and-order situation, the responsibility will directly fall on them,” he added.

The FIA’s notices have raised concerns among the activists, who claim they have been unfairly targeted, which is also a violation of UN resolutions which has declared Gilgit-Baltistan a disputed territory, where Pakistani laws cannot be enforced without taking the local government on board.

According to Muhammad Taqi Azad, one of the summoned activists, the notice does not specify the nature of the offense.

 “I was never made aware of the specific offense I committed, and the notice itself does not clearly mention it. It seems these actions are being taken at the behest of someone else,” Azad told HUM News English.

He further added, “If NLC, FWO, and Green Tourism Company are considered the state, then I confess, I criticized them. If they are just companies and not the state, then I have done nothing against the state.”

Sher Nadir Shahi, who also received a notice, expressed similar sentiments. He stated that the notice was served to him through the Yasin Police Station and accused the authorities of targeting peaceful political activists.

“This is not a new development. Since 2016, I have been facing monthly hearings in the Anti-Terrorism Court in Gilgit based on a baseless FIR. The state’s use of such tactics against those who are fighting for the basic human rights of Gilgit Baltistan is not in the state’s interest,” Shahi remarked.

He affirmed his commitment to the peaceful struggle for the region’s rights, resources, and human and democratic rights, adding, “Our peaceful struggle for the rights of Gilgit Baltistan will continue, InshaAllah.”

The issuance of these notices has sparked condemnation among political and civil circles in Gilgit Baltistan, who view this as an attempt to suppress the voices of those engaged in peaceful struggle.

The activists and their supporters have decried the notices as a means to stifle dissent and legitimate demands for rights in the region.

The Awami Workers Party (AWP) strongly condemned the notices as tantamount to curbing freedom of expression. The party demanded that these cases be immediately withdrawn.

Similarly, the Awami Action Committee (AAC) Gilgit Baltistan condemned the application of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and Schedule IV and issuance of unjustified cybercrime notices. The committee denounced these measures as an attempt to suppress the awareness and expression of the youth of Gilgit Baltistan.

During a meeting, the leaders of the Awami Action Committee vowed to fight these draconian laws both legally and publicly. They accused the ruling authorities of attempting to destroy the future of Gilgit Baltistan’s youth through such oppressive tactics.

“This is part of a calculated conspiracy to loot the resources and lands of Gilgit Baltistan, and when we raise our voices against these injustices, the rulers resort to these unlawful measures to silence us,” they said.