Gilgit-Baltistan and POK locals hold protests against Pakistan

Muzaffarabad: – Pakistan who is preparing to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as the fifth Pakistan province, is facing bitter opposition from the local population. On Sunday, strong protests were held in Muzaffarabad, in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK), Hunja, in Gilgit-Baltistan and the city of Karachi. Protests are being planned even in Lahore and Islamabad. It is being claimed that this opposition is rocking the foundation under the feet of Imran Khan government.

One of the Pakistan Ministers announced that Gilgit-Baltistan would soon be announced as the fifth Pakistan province. It was also announced that Prime Minister Imran Khan will soon visit this region and make an official announcement. A fierce agitation to oppose this move, of the Pakistan government, to annex Gilgit-Baltistan to Pakistan has been started in POK and Gilgit-Baltistan, since then. Strong protests were held in Muzaffarabad, Hunja and Karachi on Sunday.

Their protests were organised by Jammu-Kashmir Liberation Front and Student Liberation Front. The leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan have threatened ‘We will sacrifice our lives, but will not allow anyone to change the status of the region.’ The protestors are also demanding the release of human rights activist Baba Jaan and others. Aseeran-e-Kinza Rihai Committee has announced that they will soon be organising huge protests in Daimar, Daral and Khunjerab for these demands. They have also warned that huge protests will also be held in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore.

Since the last few days, protests are being held consistently in Gilgit-Baltistan and POK. The people of POK and Gilgit-Baltistan are extremely agitated because of the decision of the Pakistan government to annex POK and Gilgit-Baltistan to Pakistan. All the political parties, organisations and common people from this region seem to be united against the government decision.

Only a few days ago, major protests had been held at Hunja, while Pakistan Military Chief General Qamar Bajwa was on a visit to Gilgit-Baltistan. The protestors had blocked the Karakoram highway. The foundation of the Imran Khan government seems to have been rocked, given this stiff opposition. Pakistani analysts also are warning that this bitter opposition from the local population will create a major crisis for Pakistan.