According to GB Home Minister Shams Loon, the government of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) is engaging in discussions with various groups involved in protests. The authorities have called in paramilitary forces to assist in maintaining order. However, Loon refuted reports about the deployment of the Pakistan Army in the region.
Loon explained that talks are underway with religious elders, known as “amaideen”. She reaffirmed that they have provided assurances to promote peace messages in Friday sermons. These discussions followed a meeting of the Parliamentary Peace Committee, chaired by the chief minister, to address law and order matters in the region.
The protests in GB have been ongoing for weeks. They were initially triggered by alleged derogatory remarks attributed to religious leaders. The GB government stated that reports of the army’s deployment in the region were baseless, even though strong security measures were in place. Loon confirmed the deployment of paramilitary troops, including personnel from Rangers, GB Scouts, and Frontier Corps (FC), in the region, with the police already on alert.
The deployment of additional security measures is related to the observance of Chehlum on September 7. The Home Department has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), banning gatherings of more than four people across the region to prevent any untoward incidents.
Loon noted that the recent protests have negatively impacted GB’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism. The ongoing situation has led to the cancellation of plans by tourists, causing anxiety among travelers. The UK and Canada have advised their citizens to avoid visiting the northern areas.
Loon condemned Indian propaganda regarding the situation, emphasizing that it is an internal matter for GB. He expressed the government’s commitment to resolving the issue and urged tourists to return.
