Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) is in the news for anti-Pakistan protests. Various news reports referred to a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and said that locals gathered in large numbers in Skardu to express their anger against Pakistani government demanding immediate release of their leaders. Protesting locals have reportedly threatened Pakistan government with "civil war" and have even said that they would "merge with India" in case the demands are not met.

The video being referred to reportedly shows a local leader addressing a large crowd gathered near a mosque in the city. The leader can be heard saying that if Pakistan does not release leaders of the region and cease arresting them, the protesters would "smash the doors to Kargil", this us being interpreted as a threat to join India. The protesters blocked Karakoram highway

The video shows slogans being raised and vows of being unafraid being taken.&nbsp;

"We will go to Kargil and no one will be able to stop us," says the leader as the crowd cheers.&nbsp;

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Locals in 𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐆𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍 have threatened Pakistan Govt to immediately release their leaders or they will rage a civil war &amp; merge with India<a href="https://t.co/nTftxAj8TH">pic.twitter.com/nTftxAj8TH</a>
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) <a href="https://twitter.com/rishibagree/status/1696514837722083444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Remove these terrorists, I have two FIRs, why are we are being provoked," says the leader in the video.

Media reports suggest that there has been an FIR against a Shia Muslim cleric. People are reportedly are not happy at the development. There is also resentment in Skardu over toughening of blasphemy law.

As per reports an FIR has been filed against Shia cleric Sheikh Bakir al-Husseini according to blasphemy law. It has been alleged that the cleric had made controversial comment against Prophet Mohammed. al-Husseini has denied the claims.

<h2>Is the Pak army escalating tensions?</h2>

The demonstrators also blocked roads and passages, alleging that it was the army and the intelligence agency ISI who were escalating tensions in the region by taking advantage of the sectarian divisions.

Such is the anger against the Pakistani administration and the army that locals are now openly saying what was considered blasphemy just a few months back—Rejoining India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/from-2800-to-4000-president-of-cash-strapped-pakistan-demands-massive-hike-in-monthly-salary-630580">Also read:&nbsp;From $2800 to $4000: President of cash-strapped Pakistan demands massive hike in monthly salary</a>

“If you give us pain, we will give you double the pain. There is no peace now. Peace will come when our lives will be secured. If we are not safe, no one else will be spared. I am saying this in the open, this place will not be opened for traffic till the time the government officials withdraw the FIR. They took action against our cleric. We want them to come and face us,” said Wazir Hasnain, a social worker in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) is in the news for anti-Pakistan protests. Various news reports referred to a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and said that locals gathered in large numbers in Skardu to express their anger against Pakistani government demanding immediate release of their leaders.

Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) is in the news for anti-Pakistan protests. Various news reports referred to a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and said that locals gathered in large numbers in Skardu to express their anger against Pakistani government demanding immediate release of their leaders. Protesting locals have reportedly threatened Pakistan government with "civil war" and have even said that they would "merge with India" in case the demands are not met. The video being referred to reportedly shows a local leader addressing a large crowd gathered near a mosque in the city. The leader can be heard saying that if Pakistan does not release leaders of the region and cease arresting them, the protesters would "smash the doors to Kargil", this us being interpreted as a threat to join India. The protesters blocked Karakoram highway The video shows slogans being raised and vows of being unafraid being taken. "We will go to Kargil and no one will be able to stop us," says the leader as the crowd cheers. Locals in 𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐆𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍 have threatened Pakistan Govt to immediately release their leaders or they will rage a civil war & merge with Indiapic.twitter.com/nTftxAj8TH — Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) August 29, 2023 × "Remove these terrorists, I have two FIRs, why are we are being provoked," says the leader in the video. Media reports suggest that there has been an FIR against a Shia Muslim cleric. People are reportedly are not happy at the development. There is also resentment in Skardu over toughening of blasphemy law. As per reports an FIR has been filed against Shia cleric Sheikh Bakir al-Husseini according to blasphemy law. It has been alleged that the cleric had made controversial comment against Prophet Mohammed. al-Husseini has denied the claims. Is the Pak army escalating tensions? The demonstrators also blocked roads and passages, alleging that it was the army and the intelligence agency ISI who were escalating tensions in the region by taking advantage of the sectarian divisions. Such is the anger against the Pakistani administration and the army that locals are now openly saying what was considered blasphemy just a few months back—Rejoining India. Also read: From $2800 to $4000: President of cash-strapped Pakistan demands massive hike in monthly salary “If you give us pain, we will give you double the pain. There is no peace now. Peace will come when our lives will be secured. If we are not safe, no one else will be spared. I am saying this in the open, this place will not be opened for traffic till the time the government officials withdraw the FIR. They took action against our cleric. We want them to come and face us,” said Wazir Hasnain, a social worker in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Social media video shows anti-Pakistan protest in PoK, threats of merger with India: Reports

Pakistan has freed a political activist who was serving a life sentence in the country's semi-autonomous north, part of the contested Kashmir region also claimed by India, his party told AFP Friday.

Baba Jan, a left-wing political and climate activist from the Hunza Valley in northern Gilgit-Baltistan, was convicted by an anti-terrorism court for participating in political riots in 2011 and lost an appeal against his life sentence in 2016.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-pm-imran-khan-lost-control-of-anti-france-campaign-in-pakistan-345947" hreflang="en">How PM Imran Khan lost control of anti-France campaign in Pakistan</a>

Pakistani media reported his release came after authorities struck a deal with activists, on the heels of recent protests, to free Jan following the local elections completed on Friday.

"We are happy to announce that Comrade Baba Jan ... (has) been released today after more than nine years incarceration," Ismat Raza Shahjahan, the deputy secretary of the Awami Workers Party, told AFP.

A second activist, Iftikhar Katbalai, was also released, she said.

A close friend of Baba Jan confirmed the news to AFP, calling it the "happiest day".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-sri-lanka-trilateral-meet-on-maritime-security-begins-346031" hreflang="en">India, Maldives, Sri Lanka trilateral meet on maritime security begins</a>

Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the local Gilgit-Baltistan government, said Jan's release had been ordered by a court under a review petition.

Jan has vocally protested what he and supporters describe as political, constitutional and human rights violations in the region, organising rallies and demonstrations in protest.

He also protested the impact of climate change in Pakistan's north, famed for its soaring mountains — including many of the highest in the world, such as K2, second only to Everest — and verdant scenery.

Analysts have previously warned that his continued imprisonment was fuelling extremist and nationalistic views in the region.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-minister-threatens-opposition-leaders-with-firs-over-political-gatherings-345891" hreflang="en">Pakistan Minister threatens opposition leaders with FIRs over political gatherings</a>

Resentment has been building in Gilgit-Baltistan since Islamabad began mulling upgrading its constitutional status in a bid to provide legal cover to a multi-billion-dollar Chinese investment plan in the area.

Gilgit-Baltistan, which borders China and Afghanistan, is part of the Kashmir region which is not constitutionally part of Pakistan and is also claimed by India.

Earlier this month Prime Minister Imran Khan angered India by declaring that it will provisionally become a full province of Pakistan. He did not provide a timeline for the move.

Any change in status would require a constitutional amendment. If finalised, it would make Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan's fifth province.

New Delhi condemned Khan's announcement, saying it would "bring material changes to a part of Indian territory".

Human rights organisations have long demanded the release of Baba Jan. In 2012 an international petition for his release was signed by leading left wing intellectuals, including Noam Chomsky, Tariq Ali and David Graeber.

Pakistan has freed a political activist who was serving a life sentence in the country's semi-autonomous north, part of the contested Kashmir region also claimed by India, his party told AFP Friday.

Pakistan has freed a political activist who was serving a life sentence in the country's semi-autonomous north, part of the contested Kashmir region also claimed by India, his party told AFP Friday. Baba Jan, a left-wing political and climate activist from the Hunza Valley in northern Gilgit-Baltistan, was convicted by an anti-terrorism court for participating in political riots in 2011 and lost an appeal against his life sentence in 2016. Also read| How PM Imran Khan lost control of anti-France campaign in Pakistan Pakistani media reported his release came after authorities struck a deal with activists, on the heels of recent protests, to free Jan following the local elections completed on Friday. "We are happy to announce that Comrade Baba Jan ... (has) been released today after more than nine years incarceration," Ismat Raza Shahjahan, the deputy secretary of the Awami Workers Party, told AFP. A second activist, Iftikhar Katbalai, was also released, she said. A close friend of Baba Jan confirmed the news to AFP, calling it the "happiest day". Also read| India, Maldives, Sri Lanka trilateral meet on maritime security begins Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the local Gilgit-Baltistan government, said Jan's release had been ordered by a court under a review petition. Jan has vocally protested what he and supporters describe as political, constitutional and human rights violations in the region, organising rallies and demonstrations in protest. He also protested the impact of climate change in Pakistan's north, famed for its soaring mountains — including many of the highest in the world, such as K2, second only to Everest — and verdant scenery. Analysts have previously warned that his continued imprisonment was fuelling extremist and nationalistic views in the region. Also read| Pakistan Minister threatens opposition leaders with FIRs over political gatherings Resentment has been building in Gilgit-Baltistan since Islamabad began mulling upgrading its constitutional status in a bid to provide legal cover to a multi-billion-dollar Chinese investment plan in the area. Gilgit-Baltistan, which borders China and Afghanistan, is part of the Kashmir region which is not constitutionally part of Pakistan and is also claimed by India. Earlier this month Prime Minister Imran Khan angered India by declaring that it will provisionally become a full province of Pakistan. He did not provide a timeline for the move. Any change in status would require a constitutional amendment. If finalised, it would make Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan's fifth province. New Delhi condemned Khan's announcement, saying it would "bring material changes to a part of Indian territory". Human rights organisations have long demanded the release of Baba Jan. In 2012 an international petition for his release was signed by leading left wing intellectuals, including Noam Chomsky, Tariq Ali and David Graeber.

Pakistan frees left-wing activist after nine years

India has slammed Pakistan's plan&nbsp;to convert Pakistan occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Gilgit Baltistan as the 5th province of the country. The development comes after Pakistani PM Imran Khan today announced that his government plans to accord “provisional provincial status” to the region.

The Ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement said, India "firmly rejects" the attempt by Pakistan to bring "material changes" to a "part of Indian territory, under its illegal and forcible occupation" and reiterated that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an "integral part of India by virtue of the legal, complete and irrevocable accession" of Jammu and Kashmir to the Union of India in 1947.

Adding further that "Pakistan has no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it." and such attempts by the country "intended to camouflage its illegal occupation" cannot hide the "grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom for over seven decades to the people residing in these Pakistan occupied territories."

This is the first time Imran Khan has publically announced his intention to announce the area as a province of Pakistan, and it was expected to draw a strong reaction from New Delhi.&nbsp;

New Delhi also called on Pakistan that, "instead of seeking to alter the status of these Indian territories", Islamabad should "immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.”

What is to be seen, is if China will reach out to United Nations on Pakistani action, given that in 2019 Beijing had gone to the New York-based body after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan has 4 provinces as of now--most populated Punjab, the southern Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan and the largest one, also resource-rich Balochistan.

India has slammed Pakistan's plan to convert Pakistan occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Gilgit Baltistan as the 5th province of the country. The development comes after Pakistani PM Imran Khan today announced that his government plans to accord “provisional provincial status” to the region.

India has slammed Pakistan's plan to convert Pakistan occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Gilgit Baltistan as the 5th province of the country. The development comes after Pakistani PM Imran Khan today announced that his government plans to accord “provisional provincial status” to the region. The Ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement said, India "firmly rejects" the attempt by Pakistan to bring "material changes" to a "part of Indian territory, under its illegal and forcible occupation" and reiterated that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an "integral part of India by virtue of the legal, complete and irrevocable accession" of Jammu and Kashmir to the Union of India in 1947. Adding further that "Pakistan has no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it." and such attempts by the country "intended to camouflage its illegal occupation" cannot hide the "grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom for over seven decades to the people residing in these Pakistan occupied territories." This is the first time Imran Khan has publically announced his intention to announce the area as a province of Pakistan, and it was expected to draw a strong reaction from New Delhi. New Delhi also called on Pakistan that, "instead of seeking to alter the status of these Indian territories", Islamabad should "immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.” What is to be seen, is if China will reach out to United Nations on Pakistani action, given that in 2019 Beijing had gone to the New York-based body after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has 4 provinces as of now--most populated Punjab, the southern Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan and the largest one, also resource-rich Balochistan.

'Attempt to hide illegal occupation': India slams Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan move

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and said such cosmetic exercises are intended to "camouflage" Islamabad's "illegal" occupation of Indian territories.

Last week, Pakistan announced that general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan will be held on August 18.

"We completely reject attempts by Pakistan to bring material changes to the Indian territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Such cosmetic exercises are intended to camouflage Pakistan's illegal occupation of Indian territories," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/speaker-of-pakistans-punjab-assembly-speaks-against-building-hindu-temple-calls-it-against-spirit-of-islam-310303">Also read:&nbsp;Speaker of Pakistan's Punjab assembly speaks against building Hindu temple, calls it against spirit of Islam</a>

"We call upon Pakistan to vacate all Indian territories that are under their illegal occupation," he said. Srivastava was replying to a question on the issue at an online media briefing.

In a recent ruling, the Pakistan Supreme Court allowed Islamabad to amend a 2018 administrative order to conduct general elections in the region. The Gilgit-Baltistan Order of 2018 provided for administrative changes, including authorising the prime minister of Pakistan to legislate on an array of subjects.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-extends-support-to-nepal-as-pakistan-struggles-with-its-own-problems-310301">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan extends support to Nepal as Pakistan struggles with its own problems</a>

In May, India had issued a demarche to a senior Pakistani diplomat here and lodged a strong protest over the apex court ruling.

India also clearly conveyed to Pakistan that the entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of the country.

Srivastava also rejected Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's allegations that there was an India link to the terror attack on the Pakistan stock exchange in Karachi on Monday.

Hours after gunmen attacked the Pakistani stock exchange in Karachi, Qureshi alleged that the clues of strike are leading towards sleeper cells activated by India.

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and said such cosmetic exercises are intended to "camouflage" Islamabad's "illegal" occupation of Indian territories.

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and said such cosmetic exercises are intended to "camouflage" Islamabad's "illegal" occupation of Indian territories. Last week, Pakistan announced that general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan will be held on August 18. "We completely reject attempts by Pakistan to bring material changes to the Indian territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Such cosmetic exercises are intended to camouflage Pakistan's illegal occupation of Indian territories," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said. Also read: Speaker of Pakistan's Punjab assembly speaks against building Hindu temple, calls it against spirit of Islam "We call upon Pakistan to vacate all Indian territories that are under their illegal occupation," he said. Srivastava was replying to a question on the issue at an online media briefing. In a recent ruling, the Pakistan Supreme Court allowed Islamabad to amend a 2018 administrative order to conduct general elections in the region. The Gilgit-Baltistan Order of 2018 provided for administrative changes, including authorising the prime minister of Pakistan to legislate on an array of subjects. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan extends support to Nepal as Pakistan struggles with its own problems In May, India had issued a demarche to a senior Pakistani diplomat here and lodged a strong protest over the apex court ruling. India also clearly conveyed to Pakistan that the entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of the country. Srivastava also rejected Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's allegations that there was an India link to the terror attack on the Pakistan stock exchange in Karachi on Monday. Hours after gunmen attacked the Pakistani stock exchange in Karachi, Qureshi alleged that the clues of strike are leading towards sleeper cells activated by India.

India slams Pak's announcement of holding polls in Gilgit-Baltistan; terms it cosmetic exercise

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck near Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 5:19 pm (UTC) on Monday.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 38 km and struck at the North-Western part of Idgah of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-should-vacate-pok-as-its-part-of-sovereign-india-british-mp-bob-blackman-249903">PoK</a>.

The tremors of the earthquake were reported from Hunza, Gilgit, Ghazar and Skardu districts of Gilgit-Baltistan which caused panic among people who rushed out of their homes and other buildings.

Tremors were also felt in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-may-host-oic-foreign-ministers-meet-on-kashmir-caa-report-270827">Islamabad</a>, Rawalpindi and other surrounding areas.

However, there has been no immediate report of any loss of life or property due to the quake.

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck near Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 5:19 pm (UTC) on Monday. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 38 km and struck at the North-Western part of Idgah of PoK.

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck near Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 5:19 pm (UTC) on Monday. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a depth of 38 km and struck at the North-Western part of Idgah of PoK. The tremors of the earthquake were reported from Hunza, Gilgit, Ghazar and Skardu districts of Gilgit-Baltistan which caused panic among people who rushed out of their homes and other buildings. Tremors were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other surrounding areas. However, there has been no immediate report of any loss of life or property due to the quake.

5.3 magnitude quake hits Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan area