Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court annuls imposition of section 144

Our Correspondent

Gilgit, April 14: A two member bench of the Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan, comprising Justice Sahib Khan and Justice Wazir Shakil, has suspended the imposition of section 144 in Gilgit, terming it to be a violation of basic human rights.

The decision of the government to impose section 144 for a period of one month had been challenged in the Chief Court by the Awami Action Committee and the International Human Rights Observer group. The Chief Court had summoned officials of the administration last Friday to appear in front of the judges today (Monday).

The judges reportedly observed that the district administration cannot impose section 14 for a very long period without any solid reason.

The judges also reportedly said that peaceful protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right of the citizens that cannot be violated.

The Awami Action Committee has been mobilized thousands of people across the Gilgit-Baltistan region for a strike through which they hope to press the government to accept their 9-points charter of demands.