G-B activists booked for protesting arrest of AAC leaders

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) police have registered a case against 11 Awami Action Committee (AAC) activists for protesting against the arrest of six leaders, including its chairman, Advocate Ehsan Ali, ahead of a planned Grand Jirga on May 26.

G-B police arrested AAC Chairman Ehsan Ali, Senior Vice President Mehboob Wali, Finance Secretary Masoodur Rehman, AAC Youth Wing Chairman Asghar Shah, along with leaders Abrar Bagoro, and Waheed Hassan from various locations in the region on Wednesday and Thursday. These arrests have sparked strong criticism and protests across the region.

Protest rallies were held at several locations in Hunza, Gilgit, and Baltistan Division, demanding the immediate release of their leaders.

Hunza police registered a first information report (FIR) against 11 AAC activists under sections 341, 506, and 147 of the Pakistan Penal Code. On Friday, over two dozen activists, including the 11 named in the FIR, surrendered at Aliabad Police Station but were released on bail, as the charges are bailable.
Speaking to HUM News English, AAC leader Zahoor Elahi said that he and over two dozen others surrendered at Aliabad Police Station but were released on bail as the sections were bailable.

Also read: G-B sees unrest after action committee leaders detained

Speaking to HUM News English, Zahoor Elahi Karim said that he and over two dozen others surrendered at Aliabad Police Station but were released on bail as the sections were bailable.

“We are 11 people named in the FIR, but more people came in solidarity and gave themselves up. We hadn’t called for this, but many came to show support,” he added.

On Friday more protest rallies were held after prayers at various locations across the region demanding the immediate release of their leaders.

In a statement on Friday, the AAC categorically rejected the unfounded allegations made by Interior Minister Shams Lone against the leadership and the Committee itself, branding them as a futile attempt to mislead the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The AAC said political and social leaders, stakeholders, and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Agha Rahat Hussain Al-Hussaini, have endorsed the AAC’s stance and expressed solidarity with the detained leaders, effectively exposing the government’s propaganda.

It said the government’s machinery’s propaganda against the Grand Jirga reveals their fear of the region’s unity and solidarity. The committee said these inept and puppet rulers aim to keep the public divided to further their own interests and to continue plundering the region’s resources.

The statement said the Awami Action Committee stands as the only barrier to these plundering rulers, who have resorted to retaliatory measures to eliminate this obstacle. The Committee challenged Shams Lone to prove any grounds for the treason charges leveled against it.

The Committee strongly condemns Chief Minister Gulbar Khan’s statement threatening those who raise their voices for their rights. “Instead of intimidation and facilitation of such threats, the Chief Minister should focus on resolving the public’s issues and halting the exploitation of Gilgit-Baltistan’s resources, lands, and minerals,” the statement reads.

It said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan were now aware and united with the Awami Action Committee and Advocate Ehsan Ali. “The historic Grand Jirga will be held on May 24 and 25 in Gilgit, where the entire nation—including every youth—will participate. In consultation with all stakeholders, political and religious parties, and leaders from all ten districts, tehsils, and union councils, a national narrative will be formulated,” the statement added.

The AAC said the corrupt and incompetent Chief Minister, Interior Minister, and their cronies, intoxicated by temporary power, were targeting Gilgit-Baltistan’s national leadership and youth through vindictive actions. “The nation will hold them accountable and make them an example for future generations. There is still time for the government to come to its senses, release the leadership of the Awami Action Committee immediately, and not obstruct the peaceful national movement,” reads the statement.