London [UK], March 23 (ANI): Political activist from Pakistan‑occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) Amjad Ayub Mirza has accused Pakistani security forces of committing violent acts against civilians in Pakistan‑occupied Gilgit‑Baltistan (PoGB), including the killing of children. Mirza says at least 17 minors died in incidents reported from Gilgit and Skardu, calling the events a serious human rights violation and an example of state excess.
In a press release, Mirza alleged intensified use of force against unarmed civilians, especially youth, and said authorities appear to be trying to pre‑empt large protests reportedly planned by the Awami Action Committee. He claimed a systematic crackdown on the committee’s leadership, with legal cases registered against at least 15 central leaders and cabinet members, including Comrade Manzar Maya. Mirza also reported repeated raids on activists’ homes over two days and named several allegedly detained figures: Chairman Ehsan Ali, Muhammad Nafees, Nusrat Hussain, and Abrar Bagoro.
Mirza described these actions as deliberate suppression of dissent and curtailed political expression. He pointed to PoGB’s ambiguous constitutional status as undermining accountability and questioned why no legal action has been taken over alleged child deaths, contrasting that with strict penalties for minor offenses.
Referring to a March 1 incident in Jutial near a United Nations office, Mirza questioned reported use of live ammunition and the targeting of civilians, including minors. He added that four victims during recent unrest in Karachi were reportedly from PoGB and identified two brothers from Bagrot, Munawar Ali and Ikram Ali, as among those allegedly killed in protests.
Mirza has urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to launch an independent investigation and ensure accountability for the alleged abuses. (ANI)
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