Skardu cleric urges calm, calls for return of looted items

SKARDU - A senior cleric in Skardu on Friday urged calm and restraint following recent unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan, calling on those who had taken weapons and other items during the disturbances to return them quietly.

Addressing a large gathering during Juma-tul-Wida prayers at the Markazi Imamia Eidgah, President of Anjuman-e-Imamia Baltistan Agha Baqar Al-Hussaini said the damage caused to institutions during the protests was deeply regrettable.

He said some “emotional youth” had been involved in acts of violence and vandalism, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction of property during the disturbances.

He urged people to act with patience and responsibility to preserve peace and unity in the region.

The cleric appealed to individuals who had taken weapons, mobile phones, laptops or other items during the unrest to return them to the organisation’s central office, assuring that their identities would remain confidential.

He also referred to losses suffered by the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), expressing hope that the organisation would continue its development work in the region, which began in 1986 at the invitation of local elders.

While acknowledging that the recent events had led to unfortunate incidents, he stressed that further escalation should be avoided.

He said around 70 per cent of the demands included in Anjuman-e-Imamia’s charter presented to the government had already been implemented, attributing the progress to public unity and collective efforts.

Mr Hussaini said there had been no confrontation between the public and the Pakistan Army, despite grievances regarding certain policies, adding that people held no personal hostility towards soldiers.

He expressed confidence in the judicial commission set up to investigate the incidents, saying he expected justice through a fair and transparent process.

He added that peaceful protest remained a constitutional and democratic right if unresolved issues persisted.

Referring to international developments, the cleric expressed grief over the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying Muslims around the world were mourning the loss.

He also announced that Eidul Fitr would be observed in a simple manner this year. In line with the tradition of observing Youm-ul-Quds, he urged people to join a rally from the Eidgah to Yadgar Chowk after prayers in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The cleric also fixed the amount of Fitrana at Rs450 per person based on wheat prices, while those whose staple food is rice should pay Rs800.

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