GILGIT: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern over the arrest of political activists in Gilgit-Baltistan.

In a statement, the HRCP said it is deeply troubled by reports that political activists in in the region are allegedly being targeted by the state through the establishment of a special anti-terrorism court and the continued use of Schedule IV and the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

The statement highlighted that most recently, the chairman of the Awami Action Committee, Ehsan Ali, was arrested in Rawalpindi and released several hours later. Additionally, at least two other members spent over six weeks in Gilgit’s Gahkuch jail on reportedly fabricated charges before being released.

The HRCP demanded that all charges against peaceful political activists be withdrawn and that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan be allowed to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2024