Protesters gathered along the Karakoram Highway in Pak-occupied-Gilgit-Baltistan to voice their opposition against the ongoing atrocities in the region. Local leaders addressed the crowd, condemning actions carried out by the Pak military.
Speakers at the rally asserted that POGB has never been rightfully part of Pakistan’s territory, instead that it is under occupation. They accused occupied-authorities of employing brutal tactics against the local population, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, military operations, and raids. The leaders expressed frustration over silence from the occupying authorities in the face of these abuses.
A particular point of contention raised during the protest was the reported suppression of Shia Muslims attempting to commemorate Imam Hussain. The followers of Hussain are being treated as criminals for practicing their faith.
The rally also highlighted a range of socio-economic issues affecting PoGB. These concerns include rising electricity costs, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poor educational facilities, escalating wheat prices, and widespread corruption. These issues, combined with mismanagement, have contributed to high youth unemployment in the area.