Gilgit (Web Desk/Agencies):The Gilgit-Baltistan govt has stated that the situation in the region is completely peaceful.
According to a statement issued by the Information Department of Gilgit-Baltistan, business life is going on as normal in commercial centres and bazaars while thousands of tourists from home and abroad are coming to enjoy the natural environment of Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the statement, anti-national and evil elements are trying to give a negative colour to the peaceful protest by some religious parties in Gilgit-Baltistan on social media and are busy misleading public opinion through fake news and propaganda.
In any places in Gilgit-Baltistan, no shots were fired and no damage was done to private or government property during the peaceful protest against religious and communal response.
As per the to the statement, the Gilgit-Baltistan government is implementing coordinated measures with the cooperation of all stakeholders for the development and development of the region, religious tolerance and co-existence.
The provincial government has engaged the services of the Pakistan Army and other security forces in view of Chehlum Imam Hussain to ensure fool-proof security arrangements on the routes of Majlis and processions.
On Sunday, Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi said that Gilgit-Baltistan is experiencing peace and stability, while schools, colleges, markets, and roads are open, displaying a sense of normalcy.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said peaceful protests do occur at times in reaction to some religious and sectarian concerns but the law and order situation is calm.
Solangi further said protests are a natural political democratic response to local issues, which were managed peacefully in Gilgit-Baltistan. He said the region remains a heaven of peace and harmony.
The minister maintained that no Army deployment has taken place and the Pakistan Army is prepared for community protection during the events like Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in the coming week. The reports of unrest are baseless as no shots were fired, no damage to public and private property did occur.
He, however, said special measures have been taken for the security of the procession routes and Imambargahs as per the past practice. Quoting the Home Department of Gilgit-Baltistan, he said Section 144 has been imposed across the region to maintain law and order, protect lives and property of the people and avoid any untoward incident.
The information minister, in another tweet, shared some videos, showing locals and foreign tourists enjoying in Skardu.
"The situation is peaceful and normal while the roads and destinations are open," Solangi claimed.