Pakistan treats Gilgit-Baltistan "like a colony", a US based activist from the strategic region bordering PoK has alleged, as he demanded that a UN established fact-finding mission be sent to determine the conditions of imprisoned dissidents.

Gilgit-Baltistan has a regional Assembly and an elected chief minister. Pakistan considers it a separate geographical entity.

Like Vietnam, Gilgit-Baltistan cannot end rights abuses without the help of the international community, Sange Sering, chairman of the Movement for Democracy in Gilgit-Baltistan, said at a recent event held at the US Capitol.

"Pakistan has been treating Gilgit-Baltistan like a colony", he alleged.

"We request President (Donald) Trump and the State Department to help the UN establish a fact-finding mission to determine the conditions of imprisoned political dissidents in Pakistan and to impress upon the Pakistani leadership to uphold democratic ideals including free speech and movement.

"As we speak, Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies are busy seizing thousands of acres of private land in Gilgit-Baltistan and those who oppose such illegal policies are declared terrorist and face torture and incarceration," Sering told a gathering of US lawmakers, Congressional staffers, government officials and human rights experts at the 24th Commemoration of Vietnam Human Rights Day.

The Asian Human Rights Commission's report on Gilgit-Baltistan states that such practices of land grabbing have resulted in the displacement of locals and a state sanctioned demographic change, he said.

The report claims that the non-local proportion of the population in Gilgit-Baltistan has increased significantly in recent years since government is violating a local law called State Subject Rule, which has opened the floodgates of immigration from Pakistan, he told the audience.

"Today, members of political and civil society organisations in Gilgit-Baltistan, many who I count as personal friends, face harsh treatment, long sentences and an unknown future for demanding right of speech, publication and movement across the Indo-Pak Line of Control," Sering said.

Rahat Husain, advocacy director for Universal Muslims Association of America (UMAA) spoke on Shia persecution in Pakistan.

"As Shia Muslims, we stand with all persecuted peoples, including the Christian community in Vietnam. Their plight is similar to that of the Shia Muslims in Pakistan, who suffer violence at the hands of state sponsored militants on a daily basis. These crimes against religious freedom must stop," he said.

Last year, media reports said that Pakistan was planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province, a move that may raise concerns in India as it borders the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are the four provinces of Pakistan.&nbsp

The Asian Human Rights Commission's report on Gilgit-Baltistan states that such practices of land grabbing have resulted in the displacement of locals, says the activist.

Pakistan treats Gilgit-Baltistan "like a colony", a US based activist from the strategic region bordering PoK has alleged, as he demanded that a UN established fact-finding mission be sent to determine the conditions of imprisoned dissidents. Gilgit-Baltistan has a regional Assembly and an elected chief minister. Pakistan considers it a separate geographical entity. Like Vietnam, Gilgit-Baltistan cannot end rights abuses without the help of the international community, Sange Sering, chairman of the Movement for Democracy in Gilgit-Baltistan, said at a recent event held at the US Capitol. "Pakistan has been treating Gilgit-Baltistan like a colony", he alleged. "We request President (Donald) Trump and the State Department to help the UN establish a fact-finding mission to determine the conditions of imprisoned political dissidents in Pakistan and to impress upon the Pakistani leadership to uphold democratic ideals including free speech and movement. "As we speak, Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies are busy seizing thousands of acres of private land in Gilgit-Baltistan and those who oppose such illegal policies are declared terrorist and face torture and incarceration," Sering told a gathering of US lawmakers, Congressional staffers, government officials and human rights experts at the 24th Commemoration of Vietnam Human Rights Day. The Asian Human Rights Commission's report on Gilgit-Baltistan states that such practices of land grabbing have resulted in the displacement of locals and a state sanctioned demographic change, he said. The report claims that the non-local proportion of the population in Gilgit-Baltistan has increased significantly in recent years since government is violating a local law called State Subject Rule, which has opened the floodgates of immigration from Pakistan, he told the audience. "Today, members of political and civil society organisations in Gilgit-Baltistan, many who I count as personal friends, face harsh treatment, long sentences and an unknown future for demanding right of speech, publication and movement across the Indo-Pak Line of Control," Sering said. Rahat Husain, advocacy director for Universal Muslims Association of America (UMAA) spoke on Shia persecution in Pakistan. "As Shia Muslims, we stand with all persecuted peoples, including the Christian community in Vietnam. Their plight is similar to that of the Shia Muslims in Pakistan, who suffer violence at the hands of state sponsored militants on a daily basis. These crimes against religious freedom must stop," he said. Last year, media reports said that Pakistan was planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province, a move that may raise concerns in India as it borders the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are the four provinces of Pakistan.

Pakistan treats Gilgit-Baltistan like colony, alleges activist

Threats of shutting down the China-Pak border were issued to the China by residents of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) region in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, who allege that over 50 women, of Chinese origins, married to the G-B residents, have been detained by Beijing without any charges against them. An all-party conference held recently urged the Chinese government to immediately release the detained families including children of the G-B traders.

It had demanded run the affairs of the Pak-China trade as per the protocol agreement. They had demanded that those traders possessing border passes should be given access to interior China and the duration of border passes should be extended.

It had also urged the Pakistani government to establish an office in Kashgar city of Sinkiang to address the problems being faced by the Pakistani traders. "It is a serious issue and if the matter is not resolved immediately it may harm the relations between Pakistan and China," said Pakistan Peoples Party G-B President Ajmad Hussain said.

"It is the job of the Foreign Office to safeguard its people but it has failed miserably," Amjad said, also blaming the Pakistan embassy in Beijing for not performing its duty. "It is like dying every day. I feel intense pain and grief. Sometimes, I become totally blank - missing my children and wife is like you have lost some of your body part - something vital one," said Ali, a resident of GB, whose two children and wife have been detained in Xinjiang province.

"It is very unfortunate. I am alive but my kids are living without parents, my wife is detained in a school building turned into a prison," he said. According to locals, they have been crossing over to China since ages, with many traders marrying Chinese women on business visits.

According to Human Rights Watch, the missing women are detained in makeshift prisons called, political education centres, since April 2017. Those who have not committed any crimes, but deem politically unreliable, who have travelled abroad or have families who live abroad or found participating in unauthorized religious activities, such as wearing headscarves or other Muslim attire are detained there.

The detainees are compelled to renounce their ethnic and religious identities, resulting in anxiety and fear among residents- whose livelihoods depend heavily on trade across the border. The GB Legislative Assembly (GBLA) passed a unanimous resolution last month, asking the federal government to take immediate steps for the release of the families.

However, sources in the Foreign Office deny having received any request from the G-B government and assert on the fact that they can act on an official government request only. G-B locals say that GBLA Deputy Speaker Jafferullah was entrusted to communicate the issue with the Foreign Office and he and many other government officials were present in previous meetings.

(With inputs from ANI)

Urging the Chinese government to immediately release the families, including children of the G-B traders, an all party conference demanded to run the affairs of the Pak-China trade as per protocols agreed upon

Threats of shutting down the China-Pak border were issued to the China by residents of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) region in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, who allege that over 50 women, of Chinese origins, married to the G-B residents, have been detained by Beijing without any charges against them. An all-party conference held recently urged the Chinese government to immediately release the detained families including children of the G-B traders. It had demanded run the affairs of the Pak-China trade as per the protocol agreement. They had demanded that those traders possessing border passes should be given access to interior China and the duration of border passes should be extended. It had also urged the Pakistani government to establish an office in Kashgar city of Sinkiang to address the problems being faced by the Pakistani traders. "It is a serious issue and if the matter is not resolved immediately it may harm the relations between Pakistan and China," said Pakistan Peoples Party G-B President Ajmad Hussain said. "It is the job of the Foreign Office to safeguard its people but it has failed miserably," Amjad said, also blaming the Pakistan embassy in Beijing for not performing its duty. "It is like dying every day. I feel intense pain and grief. Sometimes, I become totally blank - missing my children and wife is like you have lost some of your body part - something vital one," said Ali, a resident of GB, whose two children and wife have been detained in Xinjiang province. "It is very unfortunate. I am alive but my kids are living without parents, my wife is detained in a school building turned into a prison," he said. According to locals, they have been crossing over to China since ages, with many traders marrying Chinese women on business visits. According to Human Rights Watch, the missing women are detained in makeshift prisons called, political education centres, since April 2017. Those who have not committed any crimes, but deem politically unreliable, who have travelled abroad or have families who live abroad or found participating in unauthorized religious activities, such as wearing headscarves or other Muslim attire are detained there. The detainees are compelled to renounce their ethnic and religious identities, resulting in anxiety and fear among residents- whose livelihoods depend heavily on trade across the border. The GB Legislative Assembly (GBLA) passed a unanimous resolution last month, asking the federal government to take immediate steps for the release of the families. However, sources in the Foreign Office deny having received any request from the G-B government and assert on the fact that they can act on an official government request only. G-B locals say that GBLA Deputy Speaker Jafferullah was entrusted to communicate the issue with the Foreign Office and he and many other government officials were present in previous meetings. (With inputs from ANI)

Gilgit-Baltistan residents threaten to shut border with China

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan would be the &#39;industrial hub&#39; of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built.

In an interview with a private television channel, Iqbal said that the CPEC project would help to improve drastically in social infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy and other key sectors, adding that it would help to create millions of job opportunities for the Pakistani youth&nbsp;

The minister said in 2013 when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came in to power, the country was facing many challenges, including terrorism, energy shortfall, and deteriorating law and order situation. The government with its effective policies, reduced terrorist acts, overcame energy shortage and improved the law and order situation.

&quot;Some 11,500-megawatt electricity was added to the national grid during the last four years. About USD 35 billion has been spent in the energy sector only and there was not even a single penny of loan included in it, rather it was investment under the CPEC,&quot; Iqbal asserted.

The Pakistani leader further said that the USD 62 billion economic corridor was launched after &#39;comprehensive consultation and consensus&#39; from all political parties which is a combination of uilding roads, rails, power plants and economic free zones in Pakistan. He also termed the CPEC project as a &#39;gamechanger&#39; for the country&#39;s economy as well.

He said that Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan would become the &#39;gateways&#39; for the economic corridor and trade zones would be set up at all provinces in Pakistan.

He added that Chinese and Pakistani companies would make large-scale investment in the trade zones, which would not only create new jobs for the citizens but also help to transfer &#39;new technology to Pakistan&#39;.

Last week, Iqbal had said that complete development og Gwadar will make Pakistan a hub of regional trade. He further announced that &nbsp;a genuine programme was initiated to mine coal from Thar, and first coal-based power project in the area which will become operational by the end of this year. He said Thar coal is enough to generate five thousand megawatts of electricity for four hundred years.

Further, he talked about the level of improvement in Balochistan and measures the Government had tajen to address the conditions in the state.&nbsp;

India is against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Iqbal said that the CPEC project would help to improve drastically in social infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy and other key sectors

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan would be the 'industrial hub' of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built. In an interview with a private television channel, Iqbal said that the CPEC project would help to improve drastically in social infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy and other key sectors, adding that it would help to create millions of job opportunities for the Pakistani youth The minister said in 2013 when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came in to power, the country was facing many challenges, including terrorism, energy shortfall, and deteriorating law and order situation. The government with its effective policies, reduced terrorist acts, overcame energy shortage and improved the law and order situation. "Some 11,500-megawatt electricity was added to the national grid during the last four years. About USD 35 billion has been spent in the energy sector only and there was not even a single penny of loan included in it, rather it was investment under the CPEC," Iqbal asserted. The Pakistani leader further said that the USD 62 billion economic corridor was launched after 'comprehensive consultation and consensus' from all political parties which is a combination of uilding roads, rails, power plants and economic free zones in Pakistan. He also termed the CPEC project as a 'gamechanger' for the country's economy as well. He said that Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan would become the 'gateways' for the economic corridor and trade zones would be set up at all provinces in Pakistan. He added that Chinese and Pakistani companies would make large-scale investment in the trade zones, which would not only create new jobs for the citizens but also help to transfer 'new technology to Pakistan'. Last week, Iqbal had said that complete development og Gwadar will make Pakistan a hub of regional trade. He further announced that a genuine programme was initiated to mine coal from Thar, and first coal-based power project in the area which will become operational by the end of this year. He said Thar coal is enough to generate five thousand megawatts of electricity for four hundred years. Further, he talked about the level of improvement in Balochistan and measures the Government had tajen to address the conditions in the state. India is against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan to be 'industrial hub' of South Asia after CPEC project: Pak Interior Minister

&nbsp;A senior European researcher has accused Pakistan of making moves to sell the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan to China in return for stacks of Renminbi (Chinese currency) and Yuan (basic unit of Chinese currency).

Participating in the 37th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Senior Research Analyst at the European Foundation for South-Asian Studies Du&scaron;an Vejinovic said Friday, &quot;While Pakistan manifests itself as a self-styled advocate of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the factual situation is, that it remains an illegal occupier of Jammu and Kashmir, which has deprived the people of their political and civil liberties.&quot;

&quot;Contrary to the country&#39;s diplomatic rhetoric, it is Pakistan which has denied the people of Jammu and Kashmir their fundamental human rights. Moreover, it is now aspiring to become a broker of Jammu and Kashmir, by negotiating the sale of Gilgit-Baltistan to Beijing, in return for stacks of Chinese Yuan,&quot; he added.

Demanding that the United Nations take appropriate action against Pakistan, Vejinovic said, &quot;Why is Pakistan allowed to infringe international law and make a mockery of this august institution? The United Nations is obliged to act, not only to ensure peace in South Asia, but more importantly, to maintain its own credibility and reinforce its authority.&quot;

Reminding the UNHRC that the UN&nbsp;resolutions of 1948 and 1949 had directed Pakistan to withdraw its troops from the state of Jammu and Kashmir by August 13, 1948, a perplexed Vejinovic asked what is preventing Islamabad from complying with a legally binding instruction issued more than 70 years ago.

Jammu and Kashmir has been an area of contention for both India and Pakistan ever since the nations were formed in 1947 with three battles having been fought between the two neighbours over it.

A senior European researcher has accused Pakistan of making moves to sell the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan to China in return for stacks of Renminbi (Chinese currency) and Yuan (basic unit of Chinese currency)

A senior European researcher has accused Pakistan of making moves to sell the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan to China in return for stacks of Renminbi (Chinese currency) and Yuan (basic unit of Chinese currency). Participating in the 37th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Senior Research Analyst at the European Foundation for South-Asian Studies Dušan Vejinovic said Friday, "While Pakistan manifests itself as a self-styled advocate of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the factual situation is, that it remains an illegal occupier of Jammu and Kashmir, which has deprived the people of their political and civil liberties." "Contrary to the country's diplomatic rhetoric, it is Pakistan which has denied the people of Jammu and Kashmir their fundamental human rights. Moreover, it is now aspiring to become a broker of Jammu and Kashmir, by negotiating the sale of Gilgit-Baltistan to Beijing, in return for stacks of Chinese Yuan," he added. Demanding that the United Nations take appropriate action against Pakistan, Vejinovic said, "Why is Pakistan allowed to infringe international law and make a mockery of this august institution? The United Nations is obliged to act, not only to ensure peace in South Asia, but more importantly, to maintain its own credibility and reinforce its authority." Reminding the UNHRC that the UN resolutions of 1948 and 1949 had directed Pakistan to withdraw its troops from the state of Jammu and Kashmir by August 13, 1948, a perplexed Vejinovic asked what is preventing Islamabad from complying with a legally binding instruction issued more than 70 years ago. Jammu and Kashmir has been an area of contention for both India and Pakistan ever since the nations were formed in 1947 with three battles having been fought between the two neighbours over it.

'Broker' Pakistan now aspiring to sell Gilgit-Baltistan to China: European Union expert

China has allegedly detained dozens of Chinese Muslim women in its restive Xinjiang province, located in the north-western part of the country, for marrying Pakistani men belonging to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region of Pakistan.

This issue was addressed in a unanimously passed resolution of the Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly, which was disclosed by the Pakistani lawmakers on Sunday.

According to the resolution passed, it has called the Pakistan government to take urgent steps to secure the release of over 50 Chinese wives, who according to them, was taken into custody last year when they were in their native towns of the Xinjiang province visiting their relatives, the Voice of America reported.

The deputy speaker of the assembly, Jafferullah Khan, was quoted by various media outlets as saying that the Chinese women were rounded up during an anti-terrorism drive by China on the ethnic Uighur Muslim community in Xinjiang.

The women are married to GB men, most of them who are affiliated with trading activities through the Khunjerab Pass, the only land route linking Pakistan and China. The mountain pass is situated about 4,500 meters above the sea level.

Regional lawmakers have asserted that the history of inter-caste marriages between GB and Xinjiang is decades old, and both the border regions share extremely close cultural ties.

They have insisted that the detained Chinese women had no links to any radical terrorism and were absolutely innocent.

The Chinese and Pakistani federal officials are yet to react to the allegations levelled in the resolution.

In the recent years, religiously motivated violence in Xinjiang province has been a thorn in the flesh for Chinese officials. They have blamed the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), who are responsible for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks in and beyond the province.

The ETIM is believed to have ties with militants operating in Pakistan and Afghanistan respectively.

The separatist group was founded by Uighur militants, in response to the alleged government suppressions on religious and cultural expression, a charge Beijing has denied it as &quot;baseless&quot;.

The GB region is the gateway to a massive economic cooperation deal, called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), initiated by Islamabad and Beijing.

The building of the $62 billion economic corridor is a combination of building roads, rails, power plants and economic free zones in Pakistan.

Thousands of Chinese are currently working on the CPEC project in Pakistan. When built, it will link Gwadar to Xinjiang region in China, through Khunjerab Pass, giving Beijing a secure and shortest trade access to international markets.

This issue was addressed in a unanimously passed resolution of the Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly, which was disclosed by the Pakistani lawmakers

China has allegedly detained dozens of Chinese Muslim women in its restive Xinjiang province, located in the north-western part of the country, for marrying Pakistani men belonging to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region of Pakistan. This issue was addressed in a unanimously passed resolution of the Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly, which was disclosed by the Pakistani lawmakers on Sunday. According to the resolution passed, it has called the Pakistan government to take urgent steps to secure the release of over 50 Chinese wives, who according to them, was taken into custody last year when they were in their native towns of the Xinjiang province visiting their relatives, the Voice of America reported. The deputy speaker of the assembly, Jafferullah Khan, was quoted by various media outlets as saying that the Chinese women were rounded up during an anti-terrorism drive by China on the ethnic Uighur Muslim community in Xinjiang. The women are married to GB men, most of them who are affiliated with trading activities through the Khunjerab Pass, the only land route linking Pakistan and China. The mountain pass is situated about 4,500 meters above the sea level. Regional lawmakers have asserted that the history of inter-caste marriages between GB and Xinjiang is decades old, and both the border regions share extremely close cultural ties. They have insisted that the detained Chinese women had no links to any radical terrorism and were absolutely innocent. The Chinese and Pakistani federal officials are yet to react to the allegations levelled in the resolution. In the recent years, religiously motivated violence in Xinjiang province has been a thorn in the flesh for Chinese officials. They have blamed the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), who are responsible for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks in and beyond the province. The ETIM is believed to have ties with militants operating in Pakistan and Afghanistan respectively. The separatist group was founded by Uighur militants, in response to the alleged government suppressions on religious and cultural expression, a charge Beijing has denied it as "baseless". The GB region is the gateway to a massive economic cooperation deal, called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), initiated by Islamabad and Beijing. The building of the $62 billion economic corridor is a combination of building roads, rails, power plants and economic free zones in Pakistan. Thousands of Chinese are currently working on the CPEC project in Pakistan. When built, it will link Gwadar to Xinjiang region in China, through Khunjerab Pass, giving Beijing a secure and shortest trade access to international markets.

China accused of detaining Muslim women married to Pakistani men

Although China Pakistan Economic Corridor, CPEC, is being seen by Pakistan as a game changer in terms of development and infrastructure, the highly touted China-backed project could also turn unsustainable.&nbsp;

An NGO in Pakistan has declared 36 Glaciers dangerous for the environment in Gilgit Pakistan area. According to the NGO officials, the glaciers here are melting at a faster rate posing a serious threat to the locals living in the area. The cause of glacier-melting is not global warming but the launch of the &quot;Economic corridor&quot; that is being co-developed by Pakistan and China.

The Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan has reportedly been facing several climatic threats since the launch of the CPEC. The multi-billion dollar developmental and infrastructure project is vital to China&#39;s road development plan. &nbsp;

The 3000-km long, 62 billion dollar corridor runs from Kashgar in West China traversing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, plains and desserts to reach Gwadar, Pakistan on the shores of the Arabian sea.

China is reported to have been building various infrastructure projects including road and railway networks and power plants in Pakistan with over 30,000 Pakistanis employed on various corridor projects.&nbsp;

Pakstan&#39;s Gilgit-Baltistan enjoys high mountainous range, splendid glaciers and magnificent valleys. The region plays an important role in hydro-power generation.&nbsp;

The China-backed project is now raising the possibility of irrecoverable damage to the area as trees are being cut and farmlands are taken over to undertake construction work.&nbsp;

Pakistan needs to work closely with the government of China to ensure that the construction work does not affect the environment or displace the locals.&nbsp;

A WION report

China is reported to have been building various infrastructure projects including road and railway networks and power plants in Pakistan with over 30,000 Pakistanis employed

Although China Pakistan Economic Corridor, CPEC, is being seen by Pakistan as a game changer in terms of development and infrastructure, the highly touted China-backed project could also turn unsustainable. An NGO in Pakistan has declared 36 Glaciers dangerous for the environment in Gilgit Pakistan area. According to the NGO officials, the glaciers here are melting at a faster rate posing a serious threat to the locals living in the area. The cause of glacier-melting is not global warming but the launch of the "Economic corridor" that is being co-developed by Pakistan and China. The Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan has reportedly been facing several climatic threats since the launch of the CPEC. The multi-billion dollar developmental and infrastructure project is vital to China's road development plan. The 3000-km long, 62 billion dollar corridor runs from Kashgar in West China traversing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, plains and desserts to reach Gwadar, Pakistan on the shores of the Arabian sea. China is reported to have been building various infrastructure projects including road and railway networks and power plants in Pakistan with over 30,000 Pakistanis employed on various corridor projects. Pakstan's Gilgit-Baltistan enjoys high mountainous range, splendid glaciers and magnificent valleys. The region plays an important role in hydro-power generation. The China-backed project is now raising the possibility of irrecoverable damage to the area as trees are being cut and farmlands are taken over to undertake construction work. Pakistan needs to work closely with the government of China to ensure that the construction work does not affect the environment or displace the locals. A WION report

Watch: How China's project is damaging environment in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan

The Pakistan interior ministry has reportedly issued<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-protest-in-london-against-cpec-human-rights-violations-by-pakistan-31035"> a letter to the Home department warning</a> that India has sent 400 Muslim men to Afghanistan for receiving training to be able to carry out attacks on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CEPC) installations.

Pakistan&#39;s national newspaper<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cpec-clout-now-yuan-may-replace-us-dollar-in-pakistan-china-trade-27146"> Dawn said the ministry has issued</a> directives for making &quot;foolproof security arrange&quot; in the&nbsp;Gilgit-Baltistan area.

The letter claimed that India is targeting installations &quot;including bridges at Karakoram Highway&quot; on the CPEC route, Dawn said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-should-not-look-at-cpec-from-indian-perspective-pak-minister-iqbal-to-trump-administration-22339">The Gilgit-Baltistan government </a>has reportedly beefed up security following the letter with top Pakistani security officials visiting the area.

Several bridges along the Karakoram Highway has been declared as &quot;sensitive&quot;, Dawn added with random checks being carried out by authorities to spot any suspicious activities.

The authorities are also prepared to detain &quot;suspicious&quot; people, the Pakistan daily reported, adding that &quot;preventative measures&quot; were put in place in view of the &quot;law and order&quot; situation prevailing in the country.

The CEPC project is a high-profile engagement between China and Pakistan which involves the reconstruction of the Dera Ismail Khan-Zhob road, the Khuzdar-Basima and the 136-km Karakoram Highway.

However, the project between the two countries has not been going according to plan after Pakistan turned down China&#39;s offer of assistance on the Diamer-Bhasha dam in December after Beijing placed strict conditions including ownership of the project.&nbsp;

Later, China &quot;temporarily&quot; stopped funding of some projects under the CPEC project after reports of growing &quot;corruption&quot; allegations.

The move &quot;stunned&quot; the Pakistan authorities who are hoping for billions of dollars pouring into the project which would help create jobs, improve infrastructure&nbsp;and boost trade.

China and Pakistan have signed six pacts to boost cooperation on the $50 billion CPEC, including one on building an airport at the strategic Gwadar port city.

The Gilgit-Baltistan government has reportedly beefed up security following the letter with top Pakistani security officials visiting the area.

The Pakistan interior ministry has reportedly issued a letter to the Home department warning that India has sent 400 Muslim men to Afghanistan for receiving training to be able to carry out attacks on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CEPC) installations. Pakistan's national newspaper Dawn said the ministry has issued directives for making "foolproof security arrange" in the Gilgit-Baltistan area. The letter claimed that India is targeting installations "including bridges at Karakoram Highway" on the CPEC route, Dawn said. The Gilgit-Baltistan government has reportedly beefed up security following the letter with top Pakistani security officials visiting the area. Several bridges along the Karakoram Highway has been declared as "sensitive", Dawn added with random checks being carried out by authorities to spot any suspicious activities. The authorities are also prepared to detain "suspicious" people, the Pakistan daily reported, adding that "preventative measures" were put in place in view of the "law and order" situation prevailing in the country. The CEPC project is a high-profile engagement between China and Pakistan which involves the reconstruction of the Dera Ismail Khan-Zhob road, the Khuzdar-Basima and the 136-km Karakoram Highway. However, the project between the two countries has not been going according to plan after Pakistan turned down China's offer of assistance on the Diamer-Bhasha dam in December after Beijing placed strict conditions including ownership of the project. Later, China "temporarily" stopped funding of some projects under the CPEC project after reports of growing "corruption" allegations. The move "stunned" the Pakistan authorities who are hoping for billions of dollars pouring into the project which would help create jobs, improve infrastructure and boost trade. China and Pakistan have signed six pacts to boost cooperation on the $50 billion CPEC, including one on building an airport at the strategic Gwadar port city.

'India may target CPEC installations including Karakoram highway,' Pak ministry to Gilgit-Baltistan government

The people of Gilgit Baltistan recently staged a protest against Pakistan government outside Lahore Press Club.&nbsp;

The residents of the region raised the slogans &quot;hum leke&nbsp;rahenge&nbsp;azaadi&quot; (We will take the liberty).&nbsp;

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Pakistan: Residents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GilgitBaltistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GilgitBaltistan</a> staged a demonstration against Pakistan, outside Press Club in Lahore, raised &#39;hum leke rahenge azaadi&#39; slogans. <a href="https://t.co/mhtl8MNpia">pic.twitter.com/mhtl8MNpia</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946988764554866688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gilgit-baltistan-mounts-voice-against-illegal-taxation-25730" target="_blank">Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir&#39;s </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">aazadi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank"> and not that of PoK</a>

The protesters revolted saying &quot;We are humans do not treat us like animals&quot;.

The people from the restive region demanded basic rights at par with other citizens.

Calling the imposition of taxes by the Pakistan government as illegal the protesters said the government has no right to impose taxes on them until they are provided with basic rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/widespread-protests-in-pok-gilgit-baltistan-against-ill-treatment-of-locals-by-pakistan-27543" target="_blank">Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418" target="_blank">Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London</a>

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We are humans do not treat us like animals, we should be given all the basic rights at par with other citizens: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan&#39;s Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/VtWXOF7NjP">pic.twitter.com/VtWXOF7NjP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946980750808584192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Until they give us our basic rights, they do not have any right to impose taxes on us. We are not ready to accept the taxes you (Pakistan) have imposed on us, it is illegal: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan&#39;s Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/Dn7Xrv4t9h">pic.twitter.com/Dn7Xrv4t9h</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946983012599603200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The region has been witnessing frequent protests from the local people of the region.&nbsp;

The protesters revolted saying 'We are humans do not treat us like animals'

The people of Gilgit Baltistan recently staged a protest against Pakistan government outside Lahore Press Club. The residents of the region raised the slogans "hum leke rahenge azaadi" (We will take the liberty). Pakistan: Residents of #GilgitBaltistan staged a demonstration against Pakistan, outside Press Club in Lahore, raised 'hum leke rahenge azaadi' slogans. pic.twitter.com/mhtl8MNpia — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Also read: Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation Also read: Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK The protesters revolted saying "We are humans do not treat us like animals". The people from the restive region demanded basic rights at par with other citizens. Calling the imposition of taxes by the Pakistan government as illegal the protesters said the government has no right to impose taxes on them until they are provided with basic rights. Also read: Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan Also read: Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London We are humans do not treat us like animals, we should be given all the basic rights at par with other citizens: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan's Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan pic.twitter.com/VtWXOF7NjP — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Until they give us our basic rights, they do not have any right to impose taxes on us. We are not ready to accept the taxes you (Pakistan) have imposed on us, it is illegal: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan's Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan pic.twitter.com/Dn7Xrv4t9h — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × The region has been witnessing frequent protests from the local people of the region.

People from Gilgit Baltistan protest against Pakistan

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan&#39;s immoral imposition of taxes on them.

Shutter down strikes and massive protests by traders and local residents are continuing in Gilgit as they accuse Pakistan of misusing power.

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Massive protest against Pakistan in Gilgit-Baltistan, protesters say the imposition of tax on them is immoral &amp; illegal <a href="https://t.co/B7Ch7eal0u">pic.twitter.com/B7Ch7eal0u</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937203472234983426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The lawyers say the imposition of any tax in Gilgit Baltistan is illegal and immoral act as people here don&#39;t have any representation in national assembly and senate.

&quot;Since the beginning, our motto remains that &#39;no taxation without representation&#39;. If we are not given any rights, why should we pay taxes? We should be given proper rights and we are ready to pay taxes as similar to other four provinces of Pakistan. But, we should be given equal rights. It is important to collect taxes to run any country, but it is only implacable if the people are given constitutional rights. We are not given any constitutional rights, so what taxes are they collecting from us?&quot; said Mohammad Khan, an advocate in Gilgit.

Many legal experts believe that the people of Gilgit Baltistan must be granted constitutional rights and then taxes should be imposed on them.

They said there are no taxes in Jammu and Kashmir despite it being part of the constitution. They are being granted subsidies.

&quot;Jammu and Kashmir is part of the Indian constitution, but there are no taxes. They are the citizens of India as per the constitution, but no taxes are imposed on them. They are being given subsidy. Here, in Gilgit, we have no constitutional rights and we have a dummy assembly which has no powers. Pakistan has formed a (Kashmir) Council and has made illiterate people as its members. They can&#39;t even read Urdu, forget about English. We will not allow the imposition of taxes by them. If they continue to stand by their order, we will launch protests against the assembly. We are not ready to accept this,&quot; said Nasir Khan, a lawyer in Gilgit.

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People of J&amp;K are Indian citizens as per the constitution, but no taxes are imposed on them. They are being given subsidy. Here, in Gilgit, we have no constitutional rights and we have a dummy assembly which has no powers: Nasir Khan, Advocate <a href="https://t.co/IiQWSFSVtE">pic.twitter.com/IiQWSFSVtE</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937204092706762752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Another lawyer from Gilgit said that current imposition of the tax is a bigger illegal step by Pakistan as citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan does not come under citizenship act 1951 clause.

&quot;Imposition of taxes on the people of Gilgit is an illegal act by Pakistan. The people of Gilgit Baltistan do not come under the Citizenship Act 1951. We, the citizens of Gilgit Baltistan have a different status as per Gilgit Baltistan Empowerment Ordinance 2009. They are imposing taxes on us, but we should be given constitutional rights. The famous canon of taxation is &#39;No Taxation without representation&#39;,&quot; said Naved Ahmad, a lawyer in Gilgit.

Gilgit-Baltistan is part of princely state of Jammu and Kashmir which remains under Pakistani occupation for the past 70 years.

The locals made a demand of granting them a royalty of rich mineral resources. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Gilgit Baltistan is also an illegal act by Pakistan and China.

The people of Gilgit Baltistan accuse both Pakistan and China of exploiting their resources and creating an ecological imbalance in the region.

The region, which has been given a step-motherly treatment by Islamabad, has been looted through the hefty taxes levied by the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan.

This has evoked widespread resentment against the Pakistani authorities who otherwise have not done anything in the welfare of the people of the region.

Pakistan has consistently maintained its oppressive attitude towards people of the region and has even ignored their basic demands.

Pakistan&#39;s tacit policy has been to ignore the genuine interests of the region and never allow true democracy to thrive in the region.

Media, which has been working in collusion with Islamabad has muffled the issues of locals which has only emboldened Islamabad to further exploit the region through its draconian laws and policies.

Islamabad&#39;s growing apathy towards the region and adoption of high handed measures to suppress reasonable voices of the region is a major concern today.

People of Gilgit-Baltistan have now become increasingly intolerant of the Pakistani occupation and they have intensified their ante against the authorities who have done nothing except plundering the resources.

Shutter down strikes and massive protests by traders and local residents are continuing in Gilgit as they accuse Pakistan of misusing power

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan's immoral imposition of taxes on them. Shutter down strikes and massive protests by traders and local residents are continuing in Gilgit as they accuse Pakistan of misusing power. Massive protest against Pakistan in Gilgit-Baltistan, protesters say the imposition of tax on them is immoral & illegal pic.twitter.com/B7Ch7eal0u — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × The lawyers say the imposition of any tax in Gilgit Baltistan is illegal and immoral act as people here don't have any representation in national assembly and senate. "Since the beginning, our motto remains that 'no taxation without representation'. If we are not given any rights, why should we pay taxes? We should be given proper rights and we are ready to pay taxes as similar to other four provinces of Pakistan. But, we should be given equal rights. It is important to collect taxes to run any country, but it is only implacable if the people are given constitutional rights. We are not given any constitutional rights, so what taxes are they collecting from us?" said Mohammad Khan, an advocate in Gilgit. Many legal experts believe that the people of Gilgit Baltistan must be granted constitutional rights and then taxes should be imposed on them. They said there are no taxes in Jammu and Kashmir despite it being part of the constitution. They are being granted subsidies. "Jammu and Kashmir is part of the Indian constitution, but there are no taxes. They are the citizens of India as per the constitution, but no taxes are imposed on them. They are being given subsidy. Here, in Gilgit, we have no constitutional rights and we have a dummy assembly which has no powers. Pakistan has formed a (Kashmir) Council and has made illiterate people as its members. They can't even read Urdu, forget about English. We will not allow the imposition of taxes by them. If they continue to stand by their order, we will launch protests against the assembly. We are not ready to accept this," said Nasir Khan, a lawyer in Gilgit. People of J&K are Indian citizens as per the constitution, but no taxes are imposed on them. They are being given subsidy. Here, in Gilgit, we have no constitutional rights and we have a dummy assembly which has no powers: Nasir Khan, Advocate pic.twitter.com/IiQWSFSVtE — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × Another lawyer from Gilgit said that current imposition of the tax is a bigger illegal step by Pakistan as citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan does not come under citizenship act 1951 clause. "Imposition of taxes on the people of Gilgit is an illegal act by Pakistan. The people of Gilgit Baltistan do not come under the Citizenship Act 1951. We, the citizens of Gilgit Baltistan have a different status as per Gilgit Baltistan Empowerment Ordinance 2009. They are imposing taxes on us, but we should be given constitutional rights. The famous canon of taxation is 'No Taxation without representation'," said Naved Ahmad, a lawyer in Gilgit. Gilgit-Baltistan is part of princely state of Jammu and Kashmir which remains under Pakistani occupation for the past 70 years. The locals made a demand of granting them a royalty of rich mineral resources. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Gilgit Baltistan is also an illegal act by Pakistan and China. The people of Gilgit Baltistan accuse both Pakistan and China of exploiting their resources and creating an ecological imbalance in the region. The region, which has been given a step-motherly treatment by Islamabad, has been looted through the hefty taxes levied by the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan. This has evoked widespread resentment against the Pakistani authorities who otherwise have not done anything in the welfare of the people of the region. Pakistan has consistently maintained its oppressive attitude towards people of the region and has even ignored their basic demands. Pakistan's tacit policy has been to ignore the genuine interests of the region and never allow true democracy to thrive in the region. Media, which has been working in collusion with Islamabad has muffled the issues of locals which has only emboldened Islamabad to further exploit the region through its draconian laws and policies. Islamabad's growing apathy towards the region and adoption of high handed measures to suppress reasonable voices of the region is a major concern today. People of Gilgit-Baltistan have now become increasingly intolerant of the Pakistani occupation and they have intensified their ante against the authorities who have done nothing except plundering the resources.

Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation

A motion has been tabled in the UK parliament condemning Pakistan&#39;s &quot;arbitrary&quot;&nbsp;move to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering disputed Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), as its fifth province.

Bob Blackman, a Conservative Party MP, who regularly speaks out in support of the rights of Kashmiri Hindus in the House of Commons, tabled the Early Day Motion (EDM) titled &quot;Annexation of Gilgit-Baltistan as by Pakistan as its fifth frontier&quot; on March 23.

EDMs are formal motions tabled in the House of Commons as a means of drawing attention to a particular issue or cause. The motion said that Gilgit-Baltistan has been illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947 and the country is attempting to annex the already disputed area.

The EDM reads, &quot;That this House condemns the arbitrary announcement by Pakistan declaring Gilgit-Baltistan as its Fifth Frontier, implying its attempt to annex the already disputed area.&quot; It noted that &ldquo;Gilgit-Baltistan is a legal and constitutional part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India, which is illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947, and where people are denied their fundamental rights including the right of freedom of expression.&rdquo;

It further said that the attempts to change the demography of the region in violation of State Subject Ordinance and forcibly and illegally to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which further aggravates and interferes with the disputed territory.&rdquo; Other British MPs are expected to sign the EDM during the course of this week as a show of support to the motion.

A spokesperson for Blackman&rsquo;s office indicated that a formal debate on the issue is also likely to be proposed in coming weeks. Pakistan&rsquo;s minister for inter-provincial coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada on Marach 14 told Pakistani media that a committee headed by Advisor of Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had proposed giving the status of a province to Gilgit-Baltistan.

He also said that a constitutional amendment would be made to change the status of the region, through which the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes. India has termed as &ldquo;entirely unacceptable&rdquo; any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering disputed PoK, as the fifth province.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson said any such step would not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistan&rsquo;s occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate, forthwith. Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. It has a regional assembly and an elected Chief Minister.

Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are the four provinces of Pakistan. It is believed that China&rsquo;s concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status. 
 
(PTI) 
 
&nbsp;

A motion tabled in Parliament criticised Pakistan for attempting to annex the already-disputed area in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir

A motion has been tabled in the UK parliament condemning Pakistan's "arbitrary" move to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering disputed Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), as its fifth province. Bob Blackman, a Conservative Party MP, who regularly speaks out in support of the rights of Kashmiri Hindus in the House of Commons, tabled the Early Day Motion (EDM) titled "Annexation of Gilgit-Baltistan as by Pakistan as its fifth frontier" on March 23. EDMs are formal motions tabled in the House of Commons as a means of drawing attention to a particular issue or cause. The motion said that Gilgit-Baltistan has been illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947 and the country is attempting to annex the already disputed area. The EDM reads, "That this House condemns the arbitrary announcement by Pakistan declaring Gilgit-Baltistan as its Fifth Frontier, implying its attempt to annex the already disputed area." It noted that “Gilgit-Baltistan is a legal and constitutional part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India, which is illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947, and where people are denied their fundamental rights including the right of freedom of expression.” It further said that the attempts to change the demography of the region in violation of State Subject Ordinance and forcibly and illegally to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which further aggravates and interferes with the disputed territory.” Other British MPs are expected to sign the EDM during the course of this week as a show of support to the motion. A spokesperson for Blackman’s office indicated that a formal debate on the issue is also likely to be proposed in coming weeks. Pakistan’s minister for inter-provincial coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada on Marach 14 told Pakistani media that a committee headed by Advisor of Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had proposed giving the status of a province to Gilgit-Baltistan. He also said that a constitutional amendment would be made to change the status of the region, through which the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes. India has termed as “entirely unacceptable” any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering disputed PoK, as the fifth province. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson said any such step would not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistan’s occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate, forthwith. Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. It has a regional assembly and an elected Chief Minister. Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are the four provinces of Pakistan. It is believed that China’s concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status. (PTI)

UK Parliament condemns Pakistan's 'arbitrary' move to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as fifth province

Retorting to the reports of Pakistan planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as the fifth province, the Centre on Wednesday said that it will study the matter and then give a response.

Pakistan&#39;s four provinces include Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh.

The Gilgit-Baltistan area is Pakistan&#39;s northernmost administrative territory that borders the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

However, India claims the Gilgit-Baltistan area as an integral part of its territory. 
 
A committee headed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz recommended to grant the region a provincial status, Pakistani channel&nbsp;GeoNews had reported.

Minister of State for external affairs VK Singh told mediapersons, &quot;We will study it, our MEA spokesperson will give the response.&quot;

(ANI)

 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India claims the Gilgit-Baltistan area as an integral part of its territory

Retorting to the reports of Pakistan planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as the fifth province, the Centre on Wednesday said that it will study the matter and then give a response. Pakistan's four provinces include Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh. The Gilgit-Baltistan area is Pakistan's northernmost administrative territory that borders the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. However, India claims the Gilgit-Baltistan area as an integral part of its territory. A committee headed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz recommended to grant the region a provincial status, Pakistani channel GeoNews had reported. Minister of State for external affairs VK Singh told mediapersons, "We will study it, our MEA spokesperson will give the response." (ANI)

Will study Pakistan's plan to declare Gilgit-Baltistan 'fifth province': India

Raising its concern over the human rights situation in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, the United States has called for woking out differences with peace and through a valid political process. 
 
&quot;We do have concerns about the human rights situation there (Pakistan Controlled Kashmir), have reported it for several years in our Human Rights report,&quot; state department deputy spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday. 
 
&quot;We are always urging all parties in Pakistan to work out their differences peaceably and through a valid political process,&quot; he said when asked about the human rights situation in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir. 
 
&quot;And with respect to Kashmir, our policy there is well known,&quot; Toner said without elaborating further. 
 
Earlier this month, protesters took to streets in the Gilgit-Baltistan region against human rights abuses and crackdown by the Pakistani security forces. 
 
(PTI)

This comes after?protesters took to streets in the Gilgit-Baltistan region against human rights abuses early this month

Raising its concern over the human rights situation in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, the United States has called for woking out differences with peace and through a valid political process. "We do have concerns about the human rights situation there (Pakistan Controlled Kashmir), have reported it for several years in our Human Rights report," state department deputy spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday. "We are always urging all parties in Pakistan to work out their differences peaceably and through a valid political process," he said when asked about the human rights situation in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir. "And with respect to Kashmir, our policy there is well known," Toner said without elaborating further. Earlier this month, protesters took to streets in the Gilgit-Baltistan region against human rights abuses and crackdown by the Pakistani security forces. (PTI)

US expresses concern over human rights situation in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir