[Reader-list] Sedition case in Gilgit - Baltistan

[Rahul Asthana]

Interesting that the accused in the case claim that they were not talking about 
sedition, but were protesting against inadequate flood relief.

http://www.unpo.org/article/11861
Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) held a press conference to condemn 
cowardly act of the authorities, who have registered sedition case against 
progressive nationalist right defenders of Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan.
 
Below is a press release  published by the Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement:
Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement (GBUM) held a press conference to condemn 
cowardly act of the authorities, who have registered sedition case against 
progressive nationalist right defenders of Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. 
The activists were holding a peaceful rally demanding relief goods and funds for 
the flashflood and landslide victims of Hunza-Gojal. Chairperson of GBUM, 
Manzoor Parwana while addressing the press conference at Skardo, Baltistan, 
said, “Sedition cases against peaceful flood victims has exposed the so-called 
democratic regime, which claims to have granted right of freedom of expression 
and political activity to the masses. Contrary to that, Pakistani agencies 
continue to obstruct socio-political gatherings, torture and detain activists 
and commit human rights violations with impunity. With the international 
community failing to notice, Gilgit-Baltistan continue to remain under 
colonial-rule.”
Parwana grieved by saying, “Unlike in other countries, where governmental 
organizations race to reach out to the flood victims, Pakistani authorities 
resorted to a unique method of providing relief by torturing and detaining the 
flood victims. This way, they have set an example for others demanding similar 
rights. The fact that flood victims linger in jails instead of being 
accommodated at the relief camps is a reflection on the so-called Islamic 
Republic”.
He termed sedition case a folly, since it has been registered against 
those demanding food, shelter, medicines and clothing. The protest occurred 
after Pakistani prime minister visited the flooded villages of Hunza, however, 
failed to announce adequate relief measures. He challenged validity of such 
cases, since Gilgit-Baltistan is not a constitutional part of Pakistan. He 
further said, “Sedition cases involving individuals like Babajan, Wajahat, Noor 
Ali, Ghulam Zahir, Izhar, Khadim Hussain, Ibrahim, Jan Alam, Gul Nawaz, Rahim, 
Abdul Karim and Karim Khan were baseless. The police FIR 59625 also prove the 
fact that the protest was peaceful and a-political.” In the end, he asked the 
Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan to withdraw cases and ensure freedom of 
expression and appeal in the region.”