GILGIT: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced serious concern over reports of state-led actions against political activists in Gilgit-Baltistan, involving the establishment of a special anti-terrorism court and the continued use of Schedule-IV and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997.
In a statement shared on social media, HRCP called for the immediate withdrawal of charges against political activists and urged the government to ensure citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The HRCP highlighted the arrest of Awami Action Committee (AAC) Chairman Ehsan Ali in Rawalpindi, who was detained for several hours before being released. The arrest came as Ali was scheduled to receive an award from the Human Rights Council of Pakistan for his contributions to human rights in the region. The HRCP also mentioned at least two other members of AAC who spent over six weeks in Gahkuch Jail, Gilgit, on reportedly “fabricated cases” before being released.
Ehsan Ali, who was welcomed by comrades upon his return to Gilgit, told HUM News English that his detention was an attempt to prevent him from attending the award ceremony. “The police claimed my name was on Schedule-IV, restricting my movement under the Anti-Terrorism Act. However, I have legally challenged my inclusion in the list,” said Ali.
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According to Ali, the police released him only after assuming the ceremony had concluded, but organizers delayed the event to ensure his presence. He alleged that the authorities are using such tactics to intimidate activists and suppress their movement for rights.
Schedule-IV and Activist Suppression
The AAC chairman further stated that five prominent leaders of the committee are currently listed under the Schedule-IV, while others face summons under the Cybercrime Act or threats via telephone. According to the NACTA website, at least 31 individuals, primarily political activists, are included in the Proscribed Persons List despite no proven links to banned organizations.
As per the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), individuals can be added to this list based on credible intelligence or a history of association with proscribed groups, leading to restrictions on travel, speech, and business activities.
In a related incident, AAC leaders Sher Hawas and Maqbool Hayat were released on bail after spending over six weeks in Gahkuch Jail.
Speaking to HUM News English, Sher Ilyas, brother of Hawas, said his sibling was arrested on fabricated charges related to the alleged demolition of a hut near Baha Lake.
He said his brother was approached by the public regarding a construction project undertaken near Baha Lake without their knowledge. According to him, concrete structures are not typically permitted in the area, which naturally raised questions. Ilyas explained that his brother voiced his concerns on social media, asking pertinent questions about who was behind the construction of the hut.
In the meantime, someone demolished the hut’s walls, and the police accused his brother of being responsible, based solely on a Facebook post. “My brother was unjustly detained. I am appalled by this gross violation of basic democratic rights, particularly the freedom of expression on social media. If social media posts continue to serve as pretexts for prosecution, one is left to wonder about the direction our society is heading,” he added. He criticized the authorities for resorting to detentions based on mere suspicion instead of engaging the public and establishing transparent terms of reference for the construction.
Meanwhile, AAC leader Muhammad Javed, along with Ali Taj, a spokesperson for former Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed, remain under arrest in separate cases.