Slain Peace Activist: Gilgit to remember Saifur Rehman

GILGIT: PML-N Gilgit-Baltistan chapter will observe the anniversary of its founding member, Saifur Rehman, as a day to renew the pledge for peace or “Youm-e-Tajdeed-e-Ehd-e-Aamn” on March 19. Officer bearers of PML-N Gilgit, Muslim Students Federation Gilgit and Labour Wing Gilgit met with G-B Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman on Monday to plan for the anniversary. Saifur Rehman, the late brother of incumbent CM, was assassinated in 2003. According to the confession of his killer, Saif was killed for promoting the cause of peace in Gilgit, a city suffering worst sectarian violence in those days. The meeting decided that no public funds, official machinery or resources would be utilised for the event and all expenses would be borne by the party. The CM while addressing the meeting said that although Saif was killed for promoting sectarian harmony, today his dream for a peaceful Gilgit has become true. Today there are no no-go-areas in G-B and peace has been restored.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2017.