GILGIT, Jan 16: People belonging to different walks of life on Sunday took to streets in Chilas town, headquarters of Diamer district, to condemn blowing up of two girls' schools in the town.

Traders observed complete shutter down in the town following afternoon prayers and later a public meeting was held in Golden Peak Chowk, the busiest point of the Chilas city.

Political, social and religious leaders spoke on the occasion terming the attacks on schools as an act of terrorism and conspiracy against the peaceful people of the area.

Those who spoke included member Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly Janbaz Khan, opposition leader Bashir Ahmed, Maulana Abdul Muhit, Maulana Abdul Qudoos, Javed Khan, leaders of JUI-F and Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat.

The speakers called for judicial inquiry into the matter and demanded of the government to arrest the responsible persons forthwith.

They said that the blasts were a bid to sabotage the ongoing mega projects in the area and destroy the local economy.

They also highlighted the significance of the area and said people had never opposed female education. The speakers warned authorities to not take a lenient view of such actions and said it was time to encircle the anti-social elements.

They said that perpetrators wanted to tarnish the soft image of the area but they would not succeed in their nefarious designs. —Correspondent

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...