GILGIT: Massive protests erupted across Gilgit-Baltistan after Friday prayers, as thousands of people voiced their outrage over the brutal killing of at least 42 individuals and injuries to more than 30 others in a militant attack in Lower Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Demonstrations were held in Skardu, Gilgit, Kharmang, Hunza, Nagar, Sirmik, and other areas, where protestors expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and demanded justice. The rallies criticized the government and law enforcement agencies for failing to protect citizens, particularly the Shia community.
In Skardu, thousands of demonstrators marched from the Imamia Jamma Masjid after Friday prayers. They raised slogans condemning the authorities’ negligence in safeguarding vulnerable communities. Addressing the crowd, speakers alleged that the state and security institutions showed apathy toward preventing sectarian violence, calling for immediate measures to ensure the safety of Parachinar residents.
Similarly, in Gilgit, a rally originating from the Imamia Jamma Masjid decried the attack in Lower Kurram, with participants demanding decisive action against militants and their networks nationwide. Protestors expressed frustration over the growing militancy and questioned how terrorists could continue to act with impunity.
Sheikh Kiramat Ali, an enraged speaker, strongly condemned the government and law enforcement agencies for their failure, declaring, “Martyrdom is our legacy, but we will not die in vain. O generals, O prime minister, O Gandapur, we will make you a curse for eternity, just as Hazrat Zainab made Yazid a symbol of disgrace.”
The protests highlighted mounting anger within the Shia community, urging accountability and robust strategies to combat terrorism. Protest leaders called for urgent reforms to restore law and order and ensure the protection of all citizens, particularly vulnerable communities.
