London [UK], March 23 (ANI) — Political activist from Pakistan‑occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) Amjad Ayub Mirza has accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against civilians in Pakistan‑occupied Gilgit‑Baltistan (PoGB), alleging that children were among the dead. Mirza says at least 17 minors died in incidents reported from Gilgit and Skardu, calling the events a grave human rights violation and an example of state overreach.
In a press release, Mirza said security forces have stepped up force against unarmed civilians, particularly young people, and that the actions appear aimed at pre‑empting large protests reportedly planned by the Awami Action Committee. He alleged a systematic crackdown on the committee’s leadership, saying legal cases have been filed against at least 15 central leaders and cabinet members, including Comrade Manzar Maya.
Mirza also said activists’ homes were raided repeatedly over two days and named several people he said were detained: Chairman Ehsan Ali, Muhammad Nafees, Nusrat Hussain and Abrar Bagoro. He described the measures as deliberate suppression of dissent and a curb on political expression.
Mirza pointed to PoGB’s ambiguous constitutional status as a factor that undermines accountability, questioning why no legal action has been taken over the alleged child deaths while comparatively minor offences are met with strict penalties. He referred to a March 1 incident in Jutial, near a United Nations office, and raised concerns about reports that live ammunition was used and civilians, including minors, were targeted.
He also said 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 urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to open an independent investigation and to ensure accountability for the alleged abuses.
(ANI)
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