Karachi, June 22: A meeting of the Gilgit-Baltistan Youth Alliance, Karachi, was held in Nazimabad, Karachi, where representatives of various nationalist groups discussed the ongoing political crisis in the region.
The meeting focused on the protests for the immediate release of leaders of the Awami Action Committee (AAC), reversal of the controversial Land Reforms Act 2025, the Minerals and Mining Act, and the broader political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The participants also condemned the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran and unanimously decided to hold a protest in Karachi on June 28 to press for the following demands:
The key demands the alliance released to the media included the immediate and unconditional release of all leaders and activists of the AAC.
They also rejected the Land Reforms Act and the abolition of all colonial-era laws imposed on Gilgit-Baltistan.
They also opposed the proposed Minerals and Mining Bill, particularly its hidden agenda of facilitating foreign corporate powers especially the US interference in the disputed region.
The Charter of Demands also sought abolition of draconian laws including the Schedule-IV of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which are being used to suppress political dissent in Gilgit-Baltistan.
They condemned US and Israeli aggression against Palestinian people in Gaza and airstrikes in Iran.
Over the past week, protests have erupted in Baltistan, Hunza, Lahore, and Karachi against the unjust arrests and torture of AAC leaders, including its chairman Ehsan Ali. The AAC has been leading a movement against land grabbing, illegal mining, and state repression in Gilgit-Baltistan.
In Hunza’s Aliabad town, protests have continued for three consecutive days, while demonstrations have also been held in Lahore and Karachi.
They warned that if the detained leaders are not released immediately, they will expand their protests across the country.
The GBYA called upon all political and social activists to join the June 28 protest to amplify the voice of Gilgit-Baltistan and resist state oppression and foreign exploitation.
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