September 4, 2023
3 mins read

Clerics’ Comments Fuel Unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan

The authorities have suspended mobile internet services across the region till further orders….reports Asian Lite News

Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been dealing with a tense situation for the past week now after two clerics from different schools of thought made insensitive remarks hurting the feelings of the respective communities, reported Dawn.

Following this, the authorities have suspended mobile internet services across the region till further orders.

The Gilgit-Baltistan government has dismissed the reports of army deployment as baseless and said that it has requested the services of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces to maintain law and order ahead of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain.

However, a top official said that the security situation in the region is normal and added that the decision to suspend internet services and impose Section 144 had been taken to maintain law and order, reported Dawn.

Moreover, the situation turned even more tense on Friday following the demonstrations held in the Gilgit city and nearby areas on the call of Anjuman-i-Imamia, hours after prominent cleric Ma­u­lana Qazi Nisar Ahmed allegedly made derogatory remarks during a protest in Gilgit.

Following his remarks, the protestors were demanding action against the cleric.

Sheikh Baqir Al-Hussaini, a prominent Islamic expert living in Skardu, is reported to have sparked protests in August with his sacrilegious comments. He has been charged with making disparaging statements about religious and historical figures, as reported by Pamir Times.

Demonstrators want the academic to be detained and a complaint will be lodged against him.

According to an official, an FIR has been lodged against Mau­lana Qazi Nisar Ahmed at the City Police Station Gilgit, while an FIR has already been registered in Skardu against Baqir Al-Hussaini, reported Dawn.

Demonstrators want the academic to be detained and a complaint will be lodged against him. They have vowed to keep the roads blocked till the scholar is arrested.

Following the blocked Karakoram Highway and the Babusar Pass road for three days, unrest has spread in the region, demanding Agha Baqir’s arrest.

The government further suspended two police personnel and a school teacher over allegations of sharing sectarian posts on social media. Moreover, over 12 persons were picked up for posting controversial posts, as per Dawn.

On Saturday, along with the US and Canada, the UK advised its citizens to avoid visiting the northern areas.

The United States has issued a travel advisory for its citizens asking them to remain vigilant and practice caution in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid violent protests in the region.

The US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan in its advisory has asserted that due to recent protests in Skardu and Diamer regions, there are chances that large gatherings may become violent.

“Even large gatherings intended to be peaceful may become violent with little or no warning,” it added.

The Gilgit-Baltistan government further decided that legal action would be taken for “insulting the beliefs of any religion and holy persons” and the government would take all measures to maintain law and order, reported Dawn.

It will also ensure normal business and tourism activities in all circumstances, according to the meeting. 

Moreover, it stated that the government is keeping an eye on those who propagate hatred through social media and other means, according to Dawn. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistani-Chinese Lobby Push Propaganda Ahead Of G20 Summit

Previous Story

Celebratory Food Recipes For Onam Vibes

Next Story

Breast cancer and stress management

Latest from -Top News

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes
Go toTop

Don't Miss

“They can pick whoever they want”: Imran shift stance over army chief appointment

When asked whether he had demanded that the appointment of

UAE condemns burning of churches in Pakistan

Over 100 people were arrested in connection with the church