ISLAMABAD: A protest was held on Sunday outside the National Press Club against the arrest of political activist and lawyer Ehsan Ali from his house last week. Mr Ali was booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The protest was organised by the Gilgit Baltistan Progressive Alliance, Baltistan Students’ Federation, Baltistan Youth Alliance and the Awami Workers Party (AWP).

Also attending the protest was Mr Ali’s sister, Zohra Khanam who said her 60-year-old brother was picked up by the police from his house on Feb 13, at about 1:30am after they forcefully entered the house.

“The 18-member police team was led by a superintendent of police. They misbehaved with the family and even grabbed my brother’s two teenage daughters. Ehsan was in his room and rushed outside to ask what was wrong. The police told him he had to go with them,” Ms Khanam told Dawn.

Ehsan Ali was arrested from his home on Feb 13, booked under ATA

She said Mr Ali told the police that it would have been better if he had been called to the police station and that he was willing to go with them.

He asked the police officers to leave his daughters alone. She said the family got to know later that Mr Ali was charged under the ATA because he re-posted a message on social media.

“My brother is GB’s senior most lawyer, is president of the GB Supreme Appellate Court Bar and Awami Action Committee. He has been struggling for the rights of people for 40 years. He is not a terrorist,” she said.

A large number of people from all walks of life participated in the protest.

Former member of the GB Legislative Assembly and rights activist Dr Parveen Ashraf said ATA was made for terrorists but is being used against the people of GB.

“He is a rights activist and a symbol of humanity,” she said.

AWP Information Secretary Farman Ali said Mr Ali was arrested due to his rights activism.

“The GB authorities cannot tolerate anyone who challenges their autocratic rule,” he said, adding that the allegations against Mr Ali of promoting sectarian hatred are laughable because he has worked harder than most for sectarian harmony in GB.

The protesters put forward six demands including the immediate release of Advocate Ehsan Ali, the removal of charges against him, the arrest of those who misbehaved with his family and that the names of those behind the campaign against Mr Ali be made public.

They also demanded the lifting of restrictions on freedom of expression and other democratic rights in GB, the release of all prisoners in GB and the removal of terrorism charges against them. Mr Ali is currently in jail on judicial remand for 14 days.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2018