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Pakistan’s sinister motive behind suspension of internet in Pak-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan

In Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, escalating sectarian tensions between Shias and Sunnis have led to an extended suspension of all internet services by the local administration.

The tensions between the Shia majority and the Sunni community have been simmering for weeks, culminating in large-scale protests against Islamabad’s recent amendments to blasphemy laws. It has been a fortnight since the internet services have been suspended by the occupying government of Gilgit-Baltistan. POGB is already grappling with poverty, had limited internet access available in select areas.

Residents had just begun to explore the potential of online businesses and educational opportunities when the Pakistan-backed administration in the illegally occupied territory abruptly halted internet services. This move has left numerous students in Gilgit city without access to their regular online classes. The most affected are the students and the professionals, who are heavily dependent on the internet services.

Recently, the Gilgit Baltistan Freelancer Association (GBFA) wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary of the occupying Gilgit-Baltistan administration. The letter underscored the problem faced by almost 2,000 freelancers whose online job depends on 4G services. The abrupt internet cut off has made them vulnerable for unemployment.

https://twitter.com/MasroorEhsan1/status/1701923869685112984

GBFA has urged the occupying government to restore the internet services with immediate effect. However, the concern raised by them is the real intention of Pakistan. As per GBFA, some freelancer individuals and companies are relocating themselves outside the POGB. Unfortunately, that is what Pakistan wants. Economically self-dependent and educated POGB will eventually challenge the illegitimate claim of Pakistan over the region. On the contrary, if the region remains disputed and in crisis, it could be easily exploited by the Pak Army and the titular government in both Pakistan and POGB.  

Paki ‘establishment’ illegally arrests PTM activist Sajjad Khan for the eighth time

PTM activist and an ardent advocate of peace and anti-terrorism, Sajjad Khan, has been illegally arrested by the Pakistani ‘establishment’.

Sajjad Khan, a resident of Deer district has been arrested under the controversial 3MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) regulation that has been deliberately used by the Paki establishment and its subordinate law enforcement machinery. Pakistan has carried out an extensive crackdown on PTM activist and its supporters after the Islamabad jalsa of PTM.

This deep injustice with the Pashtun activists can be understood by the fact that Sajjad Khan has been arrested for the eighth time under the 3MPO since past year. PTM Chief Manzoor Pashteen has raised concern for his arrest.

Some of the prominent individuals like former MNA Ali Wazir and human rights activist Iman Mazaari have fallen prey to Pakistan Army sponsored crackdown. PTM has for long protested against the policies of Pakistan Army which has reduced the Pashtun land to a battleground of terrorists that are breaded by them.

Pakistan has devasted the region. It is hard to even imagine the state of absolute turmoil that Pashtuns face on a daily basis. Sajjad’s arrest is a testament to the growing oppression of the Pashtuns in the region.

Baloch freedom fighters boldly attack Paki Army across Balochistan

In a series of bold actions, Baloch freedom fighters have left a significant impact on the Pakistan Army with two major incidents.

BLF attacks Pakistan Army post in Mand

In a daring operation, the Balochistan Liberation Front’s Sarmachars (freedom fighters) struck a newly constructed Pakistan Army post in Chukkap Kaur, Mand, situated in the Kech district of Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan on 12 sept. The attack, executed with heavy and automatic weapons, resulted in the immediate death of one Pak Army personnel, while another sustained injuries.

Despite the Pakistan Army deploying gunship helicopters to shell the area in response on the second day of the attack, no further casualties occurred. The freedom fighters successfully retreated to their safe locations. The BLF had been closely monitoring the activities of the Pakistan Army after the construction of the outpost. They took decisive action to curb their expanding presence in the region.

The Balochistan Liberation Front has not only claimed responsibility for this audacious attack but also issued a stern warning to the enemy. They declared that the enemy forces are not safe within their forts, check posts, outposts, or strongholds in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. The BLF affirmed their capability to strike anywhere, vowing that these operations will persist until the independence of Balochistan is achieved from the brutal regime of Paki establishment.

BLA eliminates enemy agent in Zehri

In another separate incident, freedom fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army have successfully eliminated Zahoor Lotani, a crucial agent working in collaboration with the occupying Pakistan Army in the Zehri Kohn area of Khuzdar.

Zahoor Lotani, operating under the direct supervision of the Pakistan Army, was deeply involved in numerous crimes against the Baloch nation. He functioned as an informant for these oppressive Pakistan Army in Khuzdar and Gwadar. He committed terrible crimes such as aiding enemy Pak Army in conducting raids on civilian homes and forcibly disappearing Baloch youth. In return, he was allowed to pursue his illegal drug-related activities.

In 2019, Lotani provided information to the Pak Army that led to the enforced disappearance of a freedom fighter associated with an allied organization from Zehri Bazar. Despite being warned three times to stop his criminal activities, Lotani continued.

For his treasonous crimes, Zahoor Lotani was sentenced to death by a Baloch national court, and this sentence was carried out by BLA fighters. Others connected to Lotani’s network are also on the radar. The BLA sent a clear message: those committing national treason will not be spared, and their operations against occupying Pakistan Army and collaborators will continue.

The BLA and BLF are Baloch nationalist groups that want freedom from the oppressive and brutal regime of the Pakistan Army. They have carried out numerous attacks on the Paki establishment in the pursuit of the liberation of Pakistan-occupied Balochistan.

Pak Army has time and again committed daily home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, humiliation at checkpoints, and kidnappings for ransom in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. Innocent Baloch are trapped and are enduring inhumane conditions and violence by the Pakistan Army in their own homeland. Following the illegal occupation of Balochistan in March 1948, Balochistan has been fighting the war of its existence. Be it the peaceful way of protests or the armed resistance, against the inhumane authoritarian rule of Pakistan Army, Balochs are fighting an all-front war.

Balochistan: Pak Army’s ruthless atrocities persist in Dera Bugti, showing no signs of abating

The Pak Army’s offensive in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan’s Dera Bugti has entered its fourth day, leaving the residents of the region in turmoil. The situation escalated following the visit and orders of Corps Commander Asif Ghafoor, that has resulted in an intensified operation. On 13 Sept, a convoy of 20 vehicles from Sibi made its way to the Sherani area of Uch, where the operation kicked off by encircling the entry points. Furthermore, two additional helicopters arrived in Sui from Kishmore, further escalating the situation on the ground.

The Pakistan Army has effectively surrounded Dera Bugti, sealing off all entry and exit points, leaving residents stranded without access to essential supplies, including rations and medical assistance. Disturbing reports are emerging from the Sherani area, where the Pakistan Army has taken a father and his son, Ali Bakhsh and Shah Mir, into custody, their whereabouts unknown. Tragically, four houses in the same area have been set ablaze, adding to the growing crisis.

Additionally, the Baloch Republican Party (BRP) said that 12 trucks of the Pakistan Army returned to Sui Army cantonment, loaded with cattle looted from shepherds in the Rustam Darbar area of Dera Bugti.

In a heart-wrenching development, the BRP Media cell reported that the Pakistan Army has forcibly displaced twenty families of the Bakhlani clan, a part of the Bugti tribe, from their homes in the Asreli area of Dera Bugti. These impoverished families were forced to abandon their crops, which were their sole means of livelihood.

Over the past four days of the ongoing offensive, Pakistan Army have abducted more than twenty people, including a local councilor. The Paki establishment contends that the Pak Army launched a rescue operation to recover six footballers who were abducted over the weekend while traveling from Sui Dera Bugti to Sibi. However, their plan is far more sinister. Pak Army is using force and violence on the innocent Baloch civilians to suppress their voice of dissent.

In just two days, 17 people have been forcibly disappeared in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. This traumatic human tragedy raises numerous questions, highlighting the disturbing silence of the media, human rights organizations, and the international community. It seems like these institutions are allowing Pakistan Army to act fearlessly without any punishment. The situation in Dera Bugti is nothing short of barbaric, with dozens of people forcibly disappeared following illegal arrests. Pakistan’s actions is in the literal sense Baloch Genocide.

For the past four days, the brutal attack by the Pakistan Army has continued unabated in Dera Bugti, with numerous trucks laden with heavy weapons and hundreds of personnel deployed to expand the operation. Enforced disappearances persist in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan, mainly in Dera Bugti and Mastung, where individuals have been forcibly disappeared by Pakistan Army.

The Pakistan Army has deployed an arsenal of forces in Dera Bugti, including gunships, SSG commandos, and heavy artillery, resulting in the abduction of innocent civilians, including teenagers, poets, and teachers. The silence from the media, civil society, and human rights organizations is deeply concerning. It is very important that we raise our voices against this injustice. Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan deserves justice, they deserve freedom from the brutal regime of Paki ‘establishment’.

The Pakistan Army has committed numerous atrocities, including daily home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, humiliation at checkpoints, and kidnappings for ransom. Following the illegal occupation of Balochistan in March 1948, Balochistan has been fighting the war of its existence.

Kashmir: Two army officers, J&K policeman martyred, operation continues

Two army officials and one Jammu and Kashmir Police officials have laid their life while fighting with the Pakistan backed terrorist in J&K’s Anantnag.

The three martyrs include Colonel Manpreet Singh, who was the Commanding Officer of 19 RR, Major Aashish Dhonchak, DySP of Jammu and Kashmir Police Humayun Bhat.  DSP Bhat was the son of former DIG Ghulam Hassan Bhat. On the basis of an intel regarding the terrorists hiding in Gadole-Kokernag region, the joint operation was carried out on Tuesday, September 12.

Later the operation was halted at night due to darkness and hostile terrain and was restarted next morning.  The joint team led by Col. Singh was moving towards the target area when the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, injuring them. Soon, they were airlifted to Srinagar where they succumbed to injuries.

Subsequently, additional troops were deployed at the Gadole-Kokernag area. Pak based banned terrorist outfit TRF has claimed the responsibility of the attack stating it as a revenge on the death of Mohammad Riyaz, a terrorist killed recently in a mosque in Pakistan.

Recent reports suggest, a Lashkar terrorist Uzair Khan is behind the attack. As of now, the operation has been resumed and the security forces have encircled two terrorists including Uzair Khan.

Rajouri encounter

Similarly on September 13, security forces engaged with the terrorists in Rajouri where they killed three terrorists. Unfortunately, one India army personnel lost his life while three others got injured. During the long impeding encounter, Kent, a brave dog of 21 Dog Unit lost her life shielding her handler. She was a six-year-old Labrador.  

Reportedly, on Monday a search operation was carried out in Kishtwad region and some suspicious belongings were found, however, because of darkness, two terrorists were able to sneak away.   

While the nation is mourning over the loss of lives of our security forces, the anger and demand of strict measures against Pakistan is also rising.

Pakistan’s shameful actions: Unlawful crackdown on Afghan civilians

In a shocking and deeply concerning turn of events, the Paki ‘establishment’ has once again displayed a blatant disregard for human rights and decency. The recent arrest of more than 250 Afghan refugees and migrants in the southern province of Sindh is a stark example of this cruelty.

This ruthless crackdown, which began in Karachi on September 11, is ostensibly part of an effort to repatriate undocumented Afghans. However, it has quickly become evident that the true aim of these arrests is to harass and persecute impoverished Afghan civilians, many of whom are unable to return to Taliban-occupied Afghanistan due to legitimate security concerns and dire economic circumstances.

Governor of Sindh, Kamran Tissori, brazenly confirmed the establishment’s directive to target and apprehend Afghans living in Pakistan without proper documentation. This is nothing short of racial profiling and discrimination against a vulnerable community.

Lawyer Muniza Kakar, who has valiantly represented Afghan refugees arrested in Karachi, rightly points out the racial profiling at play here. Many of those detained possess Paki ‘establishment-issued’ identification cards confirming their Afghan origin. The mass arrests of Afghan refugees are not only unjust but also deeply distressing, and immediate action is needed to protect the rights of these refugees.

Afghan refugees in Pakistan have long endured harassment, inadequate support, and a lack of information regarding the documentation required to extend their stay in the country. The situation has only worsened with the recent crackdown. Many refugees, like Ahmad, who shared his story, have faced bureaucratic hurdles and mental anguish as they desperately seek legal means to remain in Pakistan.

The Paki establishment’s decision to let Proof of Registration cards expire on June 30 has created a dire situation for Afghan refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called on Islamabad to extend the deadline, but so far, these pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

This hostile environment has left Afghan refugees living in constant fear. Aimal Habibi, an Afghan refugee in Sindh, expressed his deep anxiety about being arrested even when he ventures out to buy groceries. The Pakistan Army’s actions have created a hostile and distressing atmosphere for these vulnerable individuals.

Pakistan was considered a better place when Taliban occupied Afghanistan, approximately 1.4 million documented Afghan refugees, with an equal number of undocumented Afghans were residing within its borders. However, now the situation has become unbearable.

This crackdown on Afghan refugees occurs against the backdrop of recent violence in Chitral. The loss of four Pak Army personnel and the killing of over 16 others as a result of TTP terrorists’ attempts to cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan is the main reason. Earlier as well, TTP attack killed 11 labourers in Pakistan. Pakistan has witnessed a resurgence of radical Islamist militant attacks since the breakdown of a ceasefire between the Paki establishment and the TTP last year.

However, using these incident as a pretext to unjustly target Afghan civilians is not the solution. But, Pakistan Army has always been popular for its inhumane actions.

In the backdrop of this incident, the Caretaker PM of Pakistan stated that since the abrupt withdrawal of the USA, a massive stockpile of weapons and ammunition has been taken up by the Taliban. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that Pakistan is now critiquing and targeting the Taliban for using this automated machinery to inflict damage on the Pakistan Army. Pakistan Army is now doing what it does best, in an attempt to cover up their failing structure, the Paki establishment is now issuing a yet another brutal crackdown on the innocent Afghan refugees.

Protests intensify in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan

Shia protests have intensified across Pak-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (POGB) after the Paki regime introduced the controversial bill that makes Shia faith blasphemous. The Paki officials employed in POGB denied the rumors of the Pak Army being sent in. They clarified that they have asked for the help of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces only to ensure law and order during the upcoming observance of Chehlum of Imam Hussain next week. This fact is not true at all, and Rawalpindi is desperately trying to conceal the real reasons of Shia movement, which is due to the insensitive anti-Shia remarks made by Sunnis over the past few days.

It appears that the only route to connect Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (POGB) with Pakistan is the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which passes through Diamer and Kohistan. Ten years ago, buses traveling from Rawalpindi to POGB were stopped, and Shiite passengers were singled out based on their identity cards. At least on one such occasion the Shias were indiscriminately fired upon and were brutally shot dead in public. A video of this heinous act was captured and went viral on social media. Despite massive hue and cry by the Shias these Sunni terrorists were never arrested and till date no action has been taken against them. Gilgit-Baltistan has a long history of Shia-Sunni conflicts which most often is engineered by the Sunni Paki ‘establishment’, that uses it for ethnic cleansing.

Currently, protests and rallies are being taken out in Pak-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan’s largest city– Skardu. A massive Shia raly was held at Yadgar-e-Shuhada in which the speakers demanded that the Paki regime immediately withdraw the controversial blasphemy bill. At the time of writing this news report Shia protests are happening across Gilgit, Chilas and Diamer.

It should be noted that in early August, tensions escalated in POGB following the presentation of the Blasphemy Bill in Pakistan’s National Assembly. Religious groups started clashing in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, leading to protests and confrontations between leaders of both Shia and Sunni communities.

In Chilas, an influential religious leader, Maulvi Farman Wali, openly threated to kill Shias and take away their properties and women. This video went viral on social media. Maulvi Farman Wali had falsely accused Allama Syed Baqir Al Hussaini Naib Khatib Juma Skardu of insulting the Sahaba and demanded the police to register a case against him. Maulvi Farman Wali further threatened that if police did not arrest Syed Baqir Al Hussaini then Shias would chased on the Karakoram Highway and slaughtered en masse. He also reminded of the earlier slaughter of Shias in Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of Pakistan.

Allama Muhammad Afzal Haidari, Secretary General of the Wafaq-ul-Madaris of Pakistan, has strongly condemned Qazi Nisar’s insolence in the honor of Imam Mahdi and demanded to file a case against Qazi Nisar. There are demands to arrest this fitna immediately and make it a lesson so that no one dares to be insolent about the holy personalities of Muslims.
While giving a speech at the protest sit-in at Skardu Jail-Ghar Chowk, a local Shia scholar said “Where the lives of Shias are not safe, you should not expect any good from us. If our lives and property cannot be protected, we are not interested in coming to Pakistan, our historical routes and Kargil Road should be opened”.

In response, the protests and rallies have spread throughout POGB. There have been complete shutdowns, road blockades, and protest rallies in all major cities. Internet services were suspended after which the Pak Army was called in to control the situation. Pakistan Army is ruthlessly trying to curb the Shia movement across Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Information Department, in major cities of POGB, the Rangers and FC have been deployed, and Section 144 has been enforced.

The protests have flared up and now seems to be out of Pak Army’s control. The citizens of POGB (Pak-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan) are now demanding a merger with India which has raised the temperature of the Paki ‘establishment’. They are now trying every means necessary to suppress these peaceful protests.

US envoy visits Gwadar in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan

On 13 September, US Ambassador Donald Bloom visited the coastal city of Gwadar in the Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan district. On this occasion, he stated that the relationship between the United States and Balochistan has a long history of successful cooperation. Last year, following devastating floods, the United States provided assistance to over 830,000 individuals and delivered food to mitigate the risk of hunger for 90,000 children.

Ambassador Bloom mentioned that the American aid during the past year resulted in the successful renewal of eighteen health centers. In the field of education, American aid contributed to the development of programs at BUITEMS (Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences) and Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University. This effort aimed to enhance the teaching of Balochi and other languages, as well as educational materials, ultimately empowering the youth of future generations. These initiatives are important, however, USA failed to criticise the actions of Pak Army in the region.

During his visit, Ambassador Bloom engaged in constructive discussions with political leaders, representatives of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as various government and private sector leaders. In his meetings with political leaders, he emphasized the potential for economic growth, disaster preparedness and recovery, security, and trade and investment between the United States and Balochistan through American assistance. He highlighted how these initiatives could create a more favorable environment for investment in Pakistan. But, he didn’t address the atrocities committed by the Paki ‘establishment’ in various areas. Pak Army has time and again committed daily home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, humiliation at checkpoints, and kidnappings for ransom. The rally of the victims’ families for the recovery of their loved ones is at an all-time high; however, the ambassador didn’t even mention this fact once.

The Ambassador focused on areas such as business, transportation, tourism, and fisheries, suggesting ways to promote American trade and investment in the region. He also discussed the U.S.-Pakistan Green Partnership Framework, which addresses environmental issues, energy, water, and economic necessities, benefitting all of Pakistan, with a special focus on enhancing the ability to cope with environmental challenges.

Ambassador Bloom stated that the United States is providing assistance to increase the capacity to address environmental issues, boost alternative energy efforts, and promote economic growth for all, particularly in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. Under the Green Partnership, twelve thousand farmers received American aid, with most of them hailing from Balochistan. Advanced technology and administrative methods were introduced, resulting in increased production and reduced post-harvest losses. Ambassador Bloom also visited Gwadar Port and met with Chairman Pasand Khan Buledi to discuss port operations, development prospects, the potential to become a regional commercial hub, and avenues to connect it with Pakistan’s largest market, the United States.

This visit makes one thing clear, that is the international communities have continued to neglect the plight of Baloch. They are trapped and are enduring inhumane conditions and violence by the Pakistan Army in their own homeland. Following the illegal occupation of Balochistan in March 1948, Balochistan has been fighting the war of its existence. Be it the peaceful way of protests or the armed resistance, against the inhumane authoritarian rule of Pakistan Army, Balochs are fighting an all-front war.

Pak Army murders a Sindhi in Tando Adam

A Sindhi nationalist has been shot dead in Tando Adam, Sindh.

As per reports, Afzal Lund, a Sindhi nationalist was a political worker and a social media activist who was quite popular over TikTok. He used the platform to raise the voice against the establishment’s persecution. He was the resident of Khairpur Nathan.

Following his pursuit to raise awareness regarding the cruelty of Paki establishment, last year he was forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army. Later, he was released.

Now, he has been brutally killed. Apparently, it is the terrorist Pakistan Army that has killed him uncompassionately.

Pakistan Army has been the perpetrator of the most horrendous suppression of the people across Pakistan. Sindh is fighting for the freedom and human rights of Hindu and other minority communities. Pakistan Army and the establishments on the other hand are leaving no stone unturned to suppress the freedom seeking voices.

Akin to Balochistan, Pakistan Army is incorporating the tool of enforced disappearances and extra judicial killings to suppress the voice of dissent.

Afzal Lund’s bullet riddled body underscores the atrocities of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan’s government which has destroyed the life of uncountable number of families.  

Balochistan: BLF attacks Pak Army personnel

BLF has carried out two significant attacks targeting a national criminal and an army personnel. The attack was a targeted assassination of a former Baloch independence activist turned national criminal, along with an army official. These actions, according to BLF, were carried out in defense of Baloch national interests and in retaliation for crimes against the Baloch people.

Targeting of ‘Sanaullah Deedag aka Grenade’

Sanaullah Deedag, also known as Grenade, was the primary target of the BLF’s recent operation. He had once been associated with a Baloch independence organization but had later surrendered to the enemy Pak Army and engaged in anti-national activities. Despite previous attempts on his life by Baloch Sarmachars (freedom fighters), he persisted in his nefarious activities.

The BLF had been closely monitoring Sanaullah’s activities, and on September 9, 2023, they shot him dead between Shey Zangi and Jangal Bazar in the Dasht Tehsil of District Kech. He was returning from Turbat after a meeting with the Pakistan Army in a nearby camp.

The BLF’s investigation into Sanaullah’s national crimes found substantial evidence, leading to him designated as a national traitor. He was implicated in multiple military operations conducted by the Pakistan Army against Baloch Sarmachars, including looting national resources during attacks on Baloch Sarmachar camps.

Furthermore, Sanaullah was linked to social evils as well. He was included in nefarious activities such as drug trafficking, and the desecration of Baloch martyrs’ graves in the area. His involvement in these activities, along with his collaboration with the Pakistan Army, led to his execution based on the BLF’s organizational decisions.

Attack on Border Post

In a separate incident, BLF freedom fighters launched an attack on a Pakistan Army post established to protect the border fence. This assault occurred at 3 o’clock on Sunday, September 10, in the Hamzai Band Kasgani River area of Mand Tehsil in Kech. The attack resulted in the death of a Pakistan Army personnel, who was targeted by a sniper.

A Warning and a Promise

In their statement, the Balochistan Liberation Front made it clear that they would continue to hold accountable all Paki establishment’s entities working against the Baloch national cause, society, and the freedom movement. They warned these elements to desist from their crimes, emphasizing that the BLF would spare no effort in protecting Baloch national interests.

Nonetheless, BLF’s recent actions against Sanaullah Deedag and the Pak Army official serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for autonomy and independence in Pakistan-occupied-Balochistan. The Pakistan Army has committed numerous atrocities, including daily home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, humiliation at checkpoints, and kidnappings for ransom. Following the illegal occupation of Balochistan in March 1948, Balochistan has been fighting the war of its existence.