Violent Protests Rock Gilgit-Baltistan After Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader

The assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, in a U.S.-Israel dispute caused a major change in the world politics that were not only met with an outrage in Iran, but also prompted extensive responses globally. This was not only a political but also a very religious event since Khamenei was a central figure to millions of Shia Muslims across the world. As a result, demonstrations quickly went through many nations, where individuals lamented, were angry, and supported Iran. The most heated were, however, in Pakistan where protests broke out in many cities, such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. These demonstrations were driven by a great extent of religious unity and anti-western sentiments because most felt that the killing was an injustice towards the Muslim world. Most of the protests started peacefully but the situation deteriorated to violence especially in Gilgit-Baltistan region in which there is a high number of Shia people and a history of sectarian sensitivity. People went to the streets in such cities as Skardu and Gilgit and blocked the Karakoram Highway and other roads throughout Gilgit-Baltistan in reaction to the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The demonstrators denounced the aggression of the U.S. and Israel, supported Iran and urged Muslim nations to come and assist Iran. In Skardu, Yadgar Chowk, the slogans were chanted by large crowds, denouncing the United States and Israel and burned American flags. It also witnessed a protest rally between Gadibagh and Ittehad Chowk, Gilgit, which portrays the enormity of these protests. However, these protests, instead of being non-violent, turned out to be violent. The government announced a curfew ahead of Monday dawn in Gilgit, Skardu and Shigar districts to calm down the situation. In the confrontations, at least 12 protesters and one security officer were. killed, and a great number of others were wounded. It was reported that seven individuals were killed in Gilgit and six in Skardu. A spokesperson of the UN said that the situation was threatening around the UNMOGIP office which was vandalized and the security of UN personnel became a significant issue. Local authorities claimed that the situation was subsequently brought under control, but the curfew continued some days, and citizens were requested to remain at home because the law-and-order situation worsened. This leads to a crucial question; who does such violent protests hurt? Damage sustained in Gilgit-Baltistan would not impact any countries that are involved in the conflict, including Israel or the United States, and would not alter the political or military status of Iran. Rather, it is the local people of GB who bear the actual loss. It is the local population that is the worst hit when infrastructure is destroyed. A case in point is the razing of institutions such as Army Public School and College Skardu and SCO Software Technology Park Skardu. This is particularly detrimental as it impacts the region’s future. Students form the future leaders, professionals and decision-makers of the society. Schools are destroyed and education is interrupted and development in the long term is compromised. On the same note, offensive against offices and economic infrastructure undermine the local economy. Businesses are derailed, jobs are compromised and development projects postponed further posing additional challenges to the people. Curfew is also quite a challenge. Markets are shut; companies are losing revenues and individuals are finding it difficult to afford their basic needs which include food, health and transport. Such upheavals worsen the situation in a region such as Gilgit-Baltistan that already has economic and political issues. Violence does not help the situation, but complicates the lives of average citizens. Also, one should realize that the military and local institutions of Pakistan had no role in what happened during the Israeli-Iran war. Likewise, international organizations are active in GB, which aims at development and humanitarian assistance. Targeting these institutions is not only unfair but also harmful to the region itself and their country. Such actions do not send a strong political message; instead, they create internal instability and weaken trust within society and government. while the right to protest must always be respected, it is equally important that protests remain peaceful and constructive. The events in Gilgit-Baltistan clearly show that violence does not harm external actors but instead damages the region’s own future. The people of GB must think about the long-term impact of their actions. Protecting infrastructure, education, and economic stability is essential for development. A shift towards peaceful protest and dialogue is not only necessary but also the only way to ensure lasting peace and progress in the region.

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Opinion Desk.