ISLAMABAD: A large number of people from Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday staged a protest in front of the National Press Club, seeking withdrawal of laws which, they claimed, were being used against them.

The protest was held on the call given by the Awami Action Committee.

The protesters demanded release of all ‘political’ prisoners, including Baba Jan, who they said was a heart patient and should be shifted to Islamabad for treatment.

In 2010, a large number of people were displaced because of the Attabad Lake, which formed following a landslide in the area.

Later, protests were held under the leadership of Baba Jan, who sought compensation for the displaced people of the valley in the aftermath of the devastating landslide.

One of the protests in 2010 turned violent and led to the arrest of Baba Jan, who has been in jail ever since.

Speaking on the occasion, Arsalan Javed said it was unfortunate that people were put in fourth schedule for raising voice for their rights.

Advocate Athar said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had never been involved in terrorism.

The protesters also demanded the international community to take notice of the atrocities being meted out in the India-held Kashmir.

They said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan were peace-loving and would continue making efforts for their rights in a peaceful manner.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2019