Mobile Internet Is Banned in Gilgit-Baltistan Due to Sectarian Tensions, but a Pakistani Minister Pretends to Be Calm
Murtaza Solangi, Pakistan’s acting information minister, said on Sunday that Gilgit-Baltistan was “completely peaceful” despite reports of sectarian unrest there that compelled officials to temporarily stop mobile internet connections.
According to a statement issued by the region’s home department, “the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan is completely peaceful and the news and speculations circulating in the media regarding the deployment of Pakistan Army are completely baseless.” Solangi made this claim in a post on platform X.
According to him, the area, which has a long history of hostility between Sunni and Shia Muslims, is open as normal with all roadways, commercial centers, economic endeavors, and educational institutions.
On the eve of the chehlum or Arbaeen, which commemorates the 40th day of mourning following the killing of the Prophet’s grandson Imam Hussain in the battle of Karbala in Iraq in the seventh century, the minister claimed that the Pakistan Army and the civil armed forces’ services had been requisitioned “only to maintain law and order.”
According to historical practice, he said, extra precautions have been taken to secure procession routes and Imambargahs, and section 144 has been implemented across the area to maintain peace and order, safeguard lives, and prevent any untoward incidents.
He referred to rumors of unrest as “baseless,” saying that peaceful rallies sometimes take place in response to certain religious and sectarian issues.
A Shia organization called for demonstrations in Gilgit city and the surrounding regions on Friday, hours after a prominent Sunni imam reportedly made offensive statements during a rally in Gilgit. This heightened the tense atmosphere in the area. The demonstrators wanted the clergyman to be punished.
Due to the claimed disparaging remarks made by both sides, the situation has been heated for more than a week, according to the Dawn newspaper.
Mobile internet access has been stopped across the area in the interim pending further directives. An official said that a police complaint (FIR) had been filed against the Sunni priest at the Gilgit City Police Station for his remarks, and that a separate FIR had been filed in Skardu against a well-known Shia preacher.
Because of claims that they shared sectarian postings on social media, the local authorities have suspended two police officers and a schoolteacher. More than 12 people have been imprisoned for publishing divisive content.
On Saturday, the UK followed Canada and the US in urging its nationals to stay away from the northern regions.
Due to recent protests in Skardu and Diamer, as well as the possibility of more demonstrations, road closures, and related disruptions to local cell and internet networks in the area, the US embassy advised American nationals to go to Gilgit-Baltistan with increased care.
