Clashes in Gilgit, Chilas not sectarian: Malik

Interior Minister, Rehman Malik said on Wednesday that the clashes in Gilgit-Baltistan were not a result of sectarianism; rather some hidden forces were trying to disrupt peace in the area. “These elements desire chaos and do not want progress in GB,” he said while talking to the media after meeting with Ulema from different schools of thoughts.
The minister said the objective of the meeting was to discuss the problems in GB and prepare a strategy to avoid such a situation in the future. Talking about the measures adopted after the unfortunate incident in Kohistan last month, Malik said more police and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel have been deployed. He said when he had visited the area last month; the authority had presented some demands which, he added, had been fulfilled.
Malik said the number of PIA flights to Gilgit have been increased while compensation payments for the victims of the Kohistan incident had been given to the GB authorities.
He said peace and stability in GB is the government’s priority and that the federal government will utilise all its resources for the purpose. Expressing his gratitude to the Ulema, he said their role in ensuring peace in the country is commendable and that the Interior Ministry will arrange a conference for Ulema from all schools of thoughts.
Malik stated that police in GB was being equipped with modern gadgets while their number was also being increased. He thanked the Pakistan Army for their cooperation in controlling the situation. Replying to a question, he said, evidence is being gathered to trace those involved in the GB clashes. “It is still too early to name who are involved in these clashes, but I assure that strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.
He appealed to the people of GB to play their role in normalising the situation in the area. Regarding the US bounty on Hafiz Saeed, Rehman Malik said the Pakistani government was not taken on-board. He said the US authorities should have informed the Pakistani government or Interpol before announcing the bounty. “I categorically state that the US did not take Pakistan’s authorities on board,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been asked to confirm the reports.
Rehman Malik also thanked Maulana Fazlur Rehman, former Senator Abbas Kumeli and MQM Chief Altaf Hussain for their role in normalising the situation in GB. Ulema, including Mufti Munibur Rehman, Mufti Nazir Farooqui, Qazi Niaz Hassan Naqvi, condemned the incident and said all the sects are peacefully living in Pakistan. They stated that they also participate in each other’s functions and help in time of need. The Ulema also announced that they will hold a Peace March in Gilgit-Baltistan.