Pasture ownership dispute threatens clash in Gilgit-Baltistan

GILGIT: A long-standing dispute over the ownership of a high-altitude pasture between the Ghizer and Darel districts of Gilgit-Baltistan has escalated, raising concerns of a potential clash, although police officials from both sides insist the situation is currently peaceful.

Read more: Two killed, eight injured in Gilgit land dispute clash

Unverified videos circulating on social media show individuals from both districts mobilising and moving towards the contested pasture, which is located in the Singul area between the two districts. Both parties have accused the other of intruding into their territorial boundaries.

One such video shows dozens of armed men from Darel, saying goodbye to their families before heading towards the pasture.

In the video, a man surrounded by armed supporters makes a statement, claiming: “We, the entire Darel with a population of 100,000, are united today against the people of Singul who are encroaching on the land of our ancestors.”

He added, “We have held control over this land since before 1947. Our ancestors’ homes, graves, and mosques are located there, which they have now occupied. We want to inform the Gilgit-Baltistan government that if they cannot push them back within their boundaries, our youth are on their way.

At the same time, he warned to severe consequences. “Whatever conflict occurs there now, whatever financial or human losses take place, the GB government and the Pakistan government will be responsible.”

Read more: Four injured, three ‘kidnapped’ in Ghizer over land dispute

SITUATION IS NORMAL

Meanwhile, police authorities from both districts have claimed the situation is normal and under control.

Speaking to HUM News English, Ghizer Superintendent of Police (SP) Abdul Samad stated that they are in contact with the Darel administration and that a jirga (council of elders) has been formed to resolve the issue.

“Police personnel have been deployed from both sides, and hopefully, the issue will be solved peacefully,” he added.

Darel Additional SP Abdul Qayoom expressed similar sentiments, confirming that the situation was under control and that locals were showing restraint. However, he admitted to uncertainty about the future, stating, “It is uncertain what will happen tomorrow.”

“I have heard the Chief Minister has taken notice. It would be better if the issue is settled peacefully before any clash occurs,” he said, acknowledging that public sentiments were running high on both sides.

Read more: Five dead over land dispute in Kurram

CHIEF MINISTER TAKES NOTICE

Separately, an emergency high-level meeting was convened in Gilgit, chaired by Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, to address the dispute.

During the meeting, Gilgit Commissioner Sardar Asad Haroon briefed the chief minister on the details of the dispute.

The Chief Minister directed officials to resolve the dispute immediately to maintain peace and order in the region.