Next destination: G-B could attract drone strikes, says lawmaker

Amjad Hussain warns local militancy could be used as an excuse.

GILGIT:

Local people should detach themselves from the militant outfits or else Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) may become the next destination for drone strikes, warned Advocate Amjad Hussain, Chairman Standing Committee in G-B Council on Thursday.

Hussain’s comments came a day after regional police chief in Gilgit revealed identities of those involved in the massacre of 10 foreign tourists and their guide at the foot of Nanga Parbat, the second highest peak located in G-B’s Diamer valley.



Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Zakaria, while talking to the media in Gilgit on Wednesday said that 10 of the 16 attackers were residents of Diamer valley and had received training from Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA)

“I feel pain when I hear about such incidents,” said Hussain whose role has been instrumental in forging sectarian harmony in G-B.

“If locals don’t shun their affiliation with the banned terrorist organization like TTP, it is highly likely that this region becomes the next destination for drone strikes,” said Hussain who is also a member of Pakistan People Party (PPP) and known for his candid views on issues.

Pakistan has suffered a lot owing to the drone strikes as it is believed to be counterproductive and paving way for further violence and instability in the country. The strikes have also strained Pakistan’s ties with its long term ally, the US over the years.

About the cold-blooded killing of foreign tourists, he said it wasn’t an indigenous act but it did have involvement of about 10 to 20 people.

“We should condemn the violence be it in any form and anywhere. It’s the mindset that we need to work on.”



He blamed the rise in militancy in G-B due to lack of political culture in the region which has no representation in the National Assembly and the Senate.

“I have appealed to the secret agencies to help strengthen the political system in G-B. If it happens, I assure you the house will itself be in order,” Advocate Hussain said, adding that G-B was sitting on a ticking bomb but the authorities have failed to maintain lasting peace.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2013.