The Gilgit Baltistan government is engaging in discussions with theprotesting parties in order to restore tranquility in the mountainous area,as mentioned by Home Minister Shams Loon on Saturday. Paramilitary forceshave been summoned to aid in maintaining order.
However, the Home Minister refuted reports of Pakistan Army deployment inthe region, stating, “We are in talks with amaideen [religious elders],they have provided us with assurances, and we have encouraged them topromote peace messages in Friday sermons.” These talks were succeeded by ameeting of the Parliamentary Peace Committee, the top governing bodypresided over by the Chief Minister, responsible for law and order matters,held on Friday.
The committee consists of nine members from both the treasury andopposition benches, and the meeting took place amid weeks of protests in GBsparked by alleged derogatory remarks attributed to religious leaders.Security has been heightened in Chilas and Skardu, but the GB governmentdismissed reports of the army’s deployment in the mountainous region duringthe protests as “baseless.”
All roads, trade centers, businesses, and educational institutionsoperated normally, according to an official statement. A correspondent fromAaj News in GB confirmed that the situation in the area was normal, withmarkets open on Saturday. Paramilitary troops, including personnel fromRangers, GB Scouts, and FC, were deployed in the region on Friday, asconfirmed by Loon, who is part of the committee, and he clarified that thearmy had not been called in.
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He mentioned that the army’s assistance has been requested to maintainorder on the eve of Chehlum, observed on September 7. Security measureswill be increased from Tuesday in preparation for Chehlum. Abdul RehmanBukhari of Aaj News explained that this decision aligns with past practiceswhere special security measures were implemented for procession routes andImambargahs. The Home Department has enforced a ban on gatherings exceedingfour persons across the region under Section 144 of CrPC to prevent anyuntoward incidents. Loon also noted that security in Chilas and Skardu wasalready stringent.