Lawmakers pass resolution against acts of terrorism

G-B assembly condemns the recent blasts and targeted killings in the region.

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on Friday, condemning the recent blasts in girls schools in Diamer district and targeted killings in Gilgit that have stoked sectarian unrest in the region. They also demanded the arrest of those behind such acts.

The resolution was passed during the first proceedings of the legislative assembly’s 10th session with Speaker Wazir Baig in chair.

Janbaz Khan, a PML-N lawmaker hailing from Diamer district, tabled the resolution that was supported by almost all the members. “It’s the responsibility of the government to take such outlaws to task,” said the lawmaker.

The lawmakers asked people to stand united against all odds, so that the nefarious designs of the enemies would not triumph.

Clerics were urged to play an active role to eradicate militancy and establish durable peace in the region.

Maulana Sarwar Shah, a technocrat, asked the government to uncover the real faces behind the acts of terrorism, if it wanted restoration of peace in the region. He was supported by independent member Didar Ali who said that religious scholars could play an effective role in ridding the society of the menace.

Amina Ansari, a member from the PML-Q, said the series of blasts last month that left three girls schools in Chilas damaged were a conspiracy against development activities and the Diamer Bhasha dam. “An in-depth investigation into these blasts needs to be carried out to foil the nefarious designs of anti-social elements,” she said.

Opposition leader Bashir Ahmed came down hard on the treasury benches saying that the government was not serious in maintaining peace in the region. “It’s strange that not a single perpetrator has been arrested so far,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2011.