Ijaz Shigri
The Honourable Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,The Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan is the most wonderful region of its geography and picturesque magnificence. It has a blend of a ton of culture which makes it significantly more imperative. Gilgit Baltistan is additionally deliberately the most vital area in the Karakoram’s. So the general population of Pakistan ought to understand this significance as well and deal with it as it’s an important resource for Pakistan. I am taking the permission to write to you as a patriot of Pakistan, above and beyond any political affiliation that I may have. I seek your attention as you are the esteemed highest judicial officer of Pakistan, who is duty bound and under oath to tackle injustices and to provide relief to all subjects of the state in accordance to the laws of the land. Supreme court of Pakistan has domain about the taking of suomoto judicial notices regarding the injustices taking place in the society and inequities with the communities in Pakistan. Currently your role is too much splendid in judiciary. The issue of human rights violations in Gilgit-Baltistan is a complex and sensitive one, and the response from the high judiciary in Pakistan, particularly the Supreme Court, has varied over time. Gilgit-Baltistan, which is a region in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, has faced a range of human rights concerns, including issues related to freedom of expression, political representation, land rights, and discriminatory laws. These concerns have been raised by various human rights organizations and activists. In Pakistan, the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, has the authority to take action on human rights violations, and they have occasionally done so. Here are some key points related to this issue: Public Interest Litigation: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has occasionally taken suo-motu notice of human rights violations in different parts of the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan. Suo-motu actions are initiated by the court itself based on media reports, petitions, or other sources of information. Legal Framework: Pakistan has ratified international human rights conventions, and its Constitution includes provisions related to fundamental rights and freedoms. The judiciary can invoke these legal frameworks to address human rights issues. Gilgit-Baltistan does not have the same constitutional and legal status as other provinces in Pakistan. It is administered under the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order of 2009, which provides for a degree of autonomy. However, it does not grant the region the same rights and representation as other provinces. Challenges: There have been challenges in the past with regards to the applicability of fundamental rights and legal provisions in Gilgit-Baltistan due to its unique constitutional status, which is different from other provinces in Pakistan. It is essential to recognize the challenges and concerns surrounding freedom of expression in Gilgit-Baltistan and the broader context of Pakistan. This includes concerns about restrictions on political activities, freedom of the press, and the ability to express dissenting opinions Political and Diplomatic Considerations: The political and diplomatic aspects of the Kashmir issue have often influenced how human rights concerns in Gilgit-Baltistan are addressed. Civil Society and Activism: Civil society organizations, human rights activists, and lawyers play a crucial role in bringing human rights violations to the attention of the judiciary and the public. Here the right to freedom of expression is taken away, if any social activist raises his voice about basic fundamental rights, they are subjected to terror provisions like ATA & 4th Schedule. The Anti-Terrorism Act is a broad and controversial law that can be used to suppress dissent, but its application should be in line with human rights standards. Gilgit-Baltistan is going through the worst era of human rights. We have repeatedly raised our voice to recognize our identity but for 76 years we are being pushed towards a closed door The response from the judiciary to human rights violations in Gilgit-Baltistan can vary depending on the specific circumstances and legal arguments presented. It’s important to note that the situation is fluid and can change over time based on political and legal developments. For the most up-to-date information on actions taken by the high judiciary in Pakistan regarding human rights violations in Gilgit-Baltistan, I recommend checking the latest news reports and statements from relevant authorities and organizations.
