A special meeting of the Gilgit-Baltistan Cabinet was held here on Sunday at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat jointly chaired by the caretaker Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan and the Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Amir Maqam.
The cabinet strongly condemned the tragic incidents that occurred on March 1 and reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against violence. Deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences were expressed over the loss of precious lives, including both security personnel and civilians. The cabinet emphasized that the loss of human life is irreparable.
The meeting was informed that a high-level judicial commission has been constituted to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the incidents. The government expressed confidence that the commission will complete its inquiry independently and present its findings. It also vowed to bring the real culprits behind the violence to justice without any leniency.
The cabinet expressed serious concern over the damage caused to public and private properties during the unrest, terming such acts unacceptable and contrary to Islamic teachings and the peaceful traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the cabinet, a protest gathering held in connection with the reported martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was deliberately disrupted by a group of miscreants. These elements ignored repeated appeals by religious scholars and the Anjuman-e-Imamia for a peaceful demonstration, incited a section of the crowd, and targeted various installations, including UN-affiliated offices, educational institutions, and state symbols.
The cabinet made it clear that such acts do not reflect religious devotion but constitute criminal behavior. Religious leaders and representatives of Anjuman-e-Imamia have also condemned these actions on multiple occasions. Exploiting such occasions to attack public and international installations was described as harmful to the social fabric and a violation of both Islamic and local values.
Authorities have collected extensive CCTV footage and other evidence related to the incidents. Law enforcement agencies are actively identifying individuals involved in inciting violence and vandalism. The government assured that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible, while ensuring that no innocent person is wrongfully targeted.
The cabinet appealed to all segments of society, including religious scholars, community elders, and civil society, to strongly condemn such violent incidents and cooperate with the government and law enforcement agencies in restoring peace and stability in the region. It reaffirmed the collective commitment to safeguarding religious sanctity and ensuring a peaceful future for Gilgit-Baltistan.