The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) expresses grave concern over escalating human rights violations in Gilgit-Baltistan, including the reported denial of urgent medical treatment to political activist and Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement leader Shabir Hussain Mayar. UNPO calls on Pakistani authorities to ensure his immediate access to medical care and to uphold fundamental human rights obligations in the region.
Gilgit-Baltistan is a vast mountainous region located in the northern part of the greater Kashmir region and is home to approximately two million people with their own distinct languages, cultures, and identities. Administered by Pakistan since 1947, the territory lacks constitutional status within the country, and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are being denied their right to self-determination. As a result, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are not represented in Pakistan’s national parliament and face ongoing restrictions on political participation and civil liberties, including freedom of expression and association.
Long-standing political grievances and the lack of meaningful representation have contributed to growing tensions in the region. In February, severe power shortages disrupted water pumping systems in Gilgit, leaving many households without access to water for several days. The crisis prompted women-led protests highlighting the impact of infrastructure failures on daily life. These developments underscore broader concerns regarding systemic mismanagement and the fragility of essential infrastructure in the region. Earlier this month, protests erupted following recent U.S. strikes on Iran. According to reports from local sources, security forces responded with live ammunition, resulting in the deaths of at least fourteen people. Authorities subsequently imposed localised communication shutdowns and a three-day curfew.
Against this backdrop, the case of Shabir Hussain Mayar has raised serious human rights concerns. Mayar, Chief Organizer of the Gilgit-Baltistan United Movement, was first arrested in October 2023 while leading a protest calling for the release of detained Awami Action Committee workers. He was charged under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act, legislation that has frequently been used to prosecute political activists and restrict opposition and dissent. The GB United Movement’s main office was shut down three years ago, and authorities have placed Mayar on Pakistan’s Fourth Schedule, a list used to monitor individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities.
Since then, Mayar has been subjected to repeated restrictions, including prolonged house arrest, surveillance, and limitations on his freedom of movement. Of particular concern is Mayar’s health. He is reported to be living with a serious medical condition requiring specialised care, and local authorities have reportedly prevented him from accessing the necessary treatment.
Another recent case further highlights concerns over the use of anti-terrorism legislation against political voices in Gilgit-Baltistan. Senior lawyer Ehsan Ali, head of the GB Awami Action Committee, was reportedly arrested alongside other activists on anti-terrorism charges following a speech delivered at an iftar gathering, which authorities alleged contained anti-state sentiments. His arrest sparked widespread protests among the legal community, with lawyers across Gilgit-Baltistan staging a strike against what they described as an unlawful detention, leading to significant disruptions in court proceedings throughout the region. Ehsan Ali, who is in his seventies, is reportedly suffering from a chest infection requiring ongoing medical care. His legal team has filed a petition requesting immediate access to treatment, raising further concerns about the denial of medical care to detained individuals.
The denial of access to necessary medical treatment for an individual under detention or restriction constitutes a serious violation of international human rights standards, including the right to health and the obligation to ensure humane treatment of detainees. These cases also reflect broader concerns regarding the treatment of political activists in Pakistan. In recent months, Amnesty International has raised alarms about the arbitrary detention of several Baloch activists facing deteriorating health while being denied adequate medical care. Reports in international media have also highlighted concerns about the medical condition of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned and allegedly experiencing serious health complications linked to delayed treatment.
Human rights concerns in Gilgit-Baltistan extend beyond individual cases. The region is rich in natural resources and renowned for its striking landscapes, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination. However, these developments have raised environmental and socio-economic concerns among local communities. The region’s fragile ecosystem makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, while expanding resource extraction and tourism infrastructure are placing additional pressure on the environment.
At the same time, Gilgit-Baltistan’s strategic location has placed it at the center of major infrastructure and trade initiatives, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Local activists and community representatives have reported that large-scale projects and resource exploitation have resulted in land expropriation and economic marginalisation of local populations.
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam remains a particularly contentious example, raising concerns related to environmental impact, safety, and land acquisition. The project has been the subject of recurring protests over several years, with recent tensions escalating following an attempted attack on the construction site involving an exchange of fire between an unidentified group and security forces, although no injuries were reported.
Gilgit-Baltistan also plays a critical role in Pakistan-China trade through the Khunjerab Pass. While the Sost Dry Port reportedly generated record revenues this year, local traders and community representatives have expressed concern that these economic gains are not benefiting the region. Instead, they argue that revenues are being centralised while local populations continue to bear the environmental and social costs of increased trade activity.
Given the region’s lack of constitutional recognition and political representation, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have limited avenues through which to raise complaints or influence decisions affecting their land, livelihoods, and environment. Ensuring respect for human rights, including the right to self-determination, political representation, and the rule of law is essential to addressing the longstanding grievances of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and to fostering stability and justice in the region.
UNPO calls on the Government of Pakistan to immediately ensure that Shabir Hussain Mayar is granted unrestricted access to urgent medical treatment, to respect the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful political participation in Gilgit-Baltistan, and to end the use of anti-terrorism legislation against peaceful activists and political dissent.
